Raise the alarm and stop changes to children to staff ratios
June O'Sullivan
Friday, October 8, 2021
In 2013, I wrote a blog to raise the alarm on an ill-considered plan to reduce staff to child ratios and reduce the cost of childcare.
I was not alone in my concern and the sector pulled together to scupper a plan which was based on a very flawed report which was roundly rejected by the sector. I was outraged that a politician could decide to change the ratios without any consideration or debate.
Is this about to happen again?
Our new minister, Will Quince hasn’t even got his feet under the table yet, so we don’t know what his thoughts are.
However, the challenge to cut childcare costs by increasing the number of children to staff is back. Let me quote you some of the language in the article, the red bits are the words that really made my blood boil.
Childcare costs will be driven down under government plans to increase the number of toddlers a staff member can look after
Education sources agreed that allowing childcare workers to watch larger groups would force down the amount parents have to pay.
A Treasury source argued that increasing adult to child ratio in nurseries would in normal economics reduce the cost of childcare.
The levels in England are set markedly lower in England in some age groups, a carer can look after only a maximum of four children compared with four in Scotland, eight in France or 20 in Spain.
An education source said that if you get a slightly higher qualification you are able to take more children.
Professor Len Shackleton of Buckingham University and editorial and research fellow with the institute of Economic Affairs Think Tank who looked into childcare costs was supportive “We’ve got the most expensive childcare in Europe. We need some fundamental rethinking. And yes, part of this is to cut down on these types of rules”
In essence, the government wants to “level up” by cutting government spend and find ways of reducing costs to voters. To reduce childcare costs, they don’t want to increase the funding subsidy but cram more children into nursery settings and let them solve the problem.
So, to anonymous education sources and Professor Shackleton and his team, check out the facts and research already available and read why thoughtful ratios are important for the wellbeing of children and the ability of staff to really support their learning and development. We do not, as the article states, “watch” children.
Good quality nurseries and early years settings support and develop children’s learning through the art, craft and science of Early Years teaching. It is not just putting children in one space and “watching” them.
We have some of the best childcare in the world despite the fact that our government gives less than half the support that other leading childcare countries do.
Increasing ratios will significantly reduce the time available for staff to spend with each child. This is particularly important for the youngest children, our little babies and two-year-olds whose welfare and development are closely linked to social interaction and forming secure attachment relationships with adults.
Parents need to understand the consequence of such changes.
In 2013 when we campaigned on this, 84 per cent of parents do not want childcare ratios to change and would rather pay more than see their child get less individual care and attention. Remember the Early Years Alliance (formerly Pre-school Learning Alliance) petition through www.rewindonratios.com
There is always one moment in childhood when the door opens and lets the future in. Let’s not close it by allowing this change to happen.
June O’Sullivan is chief executive of the London Early Years Foundation (LEYF). The full version of this blog was first published on the LEYF website.
