Three Signs It's Time to Use Agency Cover (Before You Hit Crisis Point)

Most nurseries only call agencies when they're absolutely desperate. Someone's called in sick, ratios are at risk, and there's no other option. But here's the thing – by that point, you're already in crisis mode.

What if you could get ahead of it instead?

Sign 1: Your permanent staff are working extra shifts every week

If your team are regularly staying late, coming in on days off, or covering multiple rooms because you're short, that's your red flag. Yes, they might be willing to help out now and then, but make it the norm and you'll lose them. Agency cover can give your team the breathing room they need to stay fresh and motivated.

Sign 2: You're turning away families or reducing your hours

When you can't take new children because you don't have the staff to maintain ratios, you're leaving money on the table. The cost of agency cover is almost always less than the cost of empty places. Plus, those families might go to another nursery and never come back.

Sign 3: Your occupancy fluctuates and you can't commit to permanent contracts

Some nurseries have natural peaks and troughs throughout the year. Hiring permanent staff for your busy periods means paying wages you can't afford during quieter times. Agency cover gives you the flexibility to scale up and down as needed, without the long-term commitment.

The nurseries we work with in Leeds and York have learned that using agency support strategically – not just reactively – makes everything run more smoothly. It's not about replacing your permanent team. It's about protecting them and giving your setting the flexibility to thrive.

If any of these signs sound familiar, it might be worth having a conversation before things get really difficult. Sometimes the best time to find a solution is before you desperately need one.