04 Jul Falling Pupil Numbers in Hertfordshire: What It Means for Teachers, TAs, and Early Years Practitioners
Across the UK—and particularly here in Hertfordshire and West Essex—a steady decline in birth rates is starting to reshape the school system. Fewer children starting Reception each year is leading to reduced class sizes, tighter school budgets, and in some cases, school restructures or closures.
If you’re a Teacher, Teaching Assistant, or Early Years Practitioner, this changing landscape may be creating questions about your job security, future opportunities, and what comes next.
Here’s what’s happening, what it means for you—and how Moore Teachers can support you through it all.
Why Are School Roles Changing in Hertfordshire?
Hertfordshire County Council has already begun reducing Reception class places in response to fewer children entering primary education. In some areas, schools are seeing significantly reduced demand, especially those in rural or single-form settings.
Because school funding is based on pupil numbers, fewer enrolments mean reduced budgets. Schools are now reassessing their staffing models and long-term plans.
The Impact on Teachers, TAs, and Early Years Staff
This shift in pupil numbers is already having a knock-on effect for educational staff across Hertfordshire. Some of the key challenges include:
1. Reduced Role Availability
With class sizes decreasing, some schools are choosing to merge year groups or restructure, which can reduce the number of available teaching and support roles.
2. Increased Workload
For those remaining, workloads can increase—especially when managing mixed-age classes or covering for reduced staffing teams.
3. SEND Pressures
The number of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) continues to rise, even as support staff resources are stretched thin.
4. Recruitment Gaps Still Exist
Despite these changes, many schools still face recruitment challenges—particularly for temporary, flexible or specialist roles. This creates ongoing opportunities for adaptable professionals.
What Is Being Done to Support Schools?
Hertfordshire’s education sector isn’t ignoring the issue. Steps are being taken to stabilise and support schools:
- Reception class numbers are being adjusted based on local demand.
- Specialist programmes are supporting small school sustainability.
- Local education partnerships are helping headteachers manage mixed classes and tighter budgets.
- SEND strategy reviews are underway to improve long-term provision planning.
Moore Teachers Is Here to Help You Navigate Change
If you’re feeling uncertain about your current role—or you’re actively looking for new opportunities—you’re not alone. At Moore Teachers, we work with Teachers, TAs and Early Years Practitioners across Hertfordshire and West Essex to offer tailored support and job placements that suit your skills, availability and preferences. Click here to see our current job vacancies.
We help education professionals:
- Secure flexible teaching and TA/LSA work
- Access roles in primary and SEND schools
- Explore career options after school closures or staff reductions
- Stay active in the education sector
Whether you’re looking for daily supply, long-term placements, or short-term cover, we can help you stay working and thriving in a changing system.
Know Someone Affected by School Staffing Changes?
If you have a friend or colleague—a Teacher, Teaching Assistant or Early Years Practitioner, or any other member of primary school staff—whose role is at risk due to school restructuring or funding changes, please feel free to recommend them to us.
We’re currently placing education professionals across Hertfordshire and West Essex, and we’d love to support others just as we’ve supported you.
Let’s Move Forward—Together
The fall in birth rates is reshaping the way Hertfordshire’s schools are staffed and supported—but it doesn’t have to mean the end of your role in education.
With the right guidance and support, you can continue doing what you love—teaching, supporting pupils, and making a difference.
Moore Teachers is here to help you make that next move confidently.
👉 Looking for a new role? Contact Moore Teachers today to discuss your options.
👉 Know someone else who needs support? Refer them to us—and you could earn a referral bonus.
Moore Teachers – Supporting Educators Through Every Change