Government’s £6.5m early years plan for England a ‘drop in the ocean’

The government is offering financial incentives to encourage more people to work in the childcare sector. Photograph: John Stillwell/PA

A £6.5m recruitment campaign to encourage people to work in the early years sector as the first phase of the government’s flagship childcare expansion plan has been criticised as “too late” and a “drop in the ocean” by sector leaders.

A trial, which will take place in 20 local authorities in England from April, will also give new recruits and returners to the early years workforce a £1,000 cash payment shortly after they take up their post.