Almost half of the general public thinks early years workers are not paid enough, according to a survey from the Early Education and Childcare Coalition.

The report, Pulse Check 2023: Public Attitudes Towards Early Education and Childcare, found that 44% of UK adults think early years workers are underpaid and 31% believe they are undervalued.

Over a third of respondents (40%) said they supported investing more taxpayers’ money in early education and childcare even if it meant higher taxes for everyone. Almost half of respondents (49%) said that well-trained staff was an important factor when it came to providing good quality early education and childcare, with over a third (36%) saying the same about decent pay for staff.

Some 42% of those surveyed said a party’s plans for early education and childcare would be an important influence on their vote at the next general election.

The study, developed by coalition members More in Common and Claremont, surveyed 2,046 participants. It was unveiled at the Early Education and Childcare Coalition’s official launch event in Westminster.

Sarah Ronan, acting director for the Early Education and Childcare Coalition, said: “British voters have told us here that they think the early education workforce is underpaid and undervalued. Parents don’t want ‘cheap childcare’ at the expense of quality or safety. They care about their children’s experience, and importantly, they care about the people that care for and educate their children.”

Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Early Years Alliance, said: “As the Coalition’s research shows, all political parties need to head into next election with the early years at the heart of their respective policy agendas. Anything less will not only fail to persuade voters but, in the long term, put the entire future of the sector at risk.” 

Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of the National Day Nurseries Association, said: “A child’s first five years count more than any other time in their lives. They create 90% of their neural pathways and develop their foundations for lifelong learning, wellbeing and happiness. We can now bring together our collective voice to build public and political support for our children’s early education.”