Government scraps plans to change child care ratios

The proposals, championed by childcare minister Elizabeth Truss with backing from the Prime Minister, will not go ahead following widespread criticism from early years childcare providers and professionals.

In a statement confirming the decision to scrap them, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, will say: “When you are talking about something this important to parents, I think it is imperative to be led by the evidence – which is overwhelmingly against changing the rules on ratios.
 
“The proposals to increase ratios were put out to consultation and were roundly criticised by parents, providers and experts alike.
 
“Most importantly, there is no real evidence that increasing ratios will reduce the cost of childcare for families.
 
“The argument that this will help families with their weekly childcare bill simply does not stack up.
 
“I cannot ask parents to accept such a controversial change with no real guarantee it will save them money – in fact it could cost them more.”
 
“I have concluded that, because it will not reduce costs for parents or increase the quality of childcare, the proposed ratio changes for pre-school children cannot proceed.
 
“Ratios for pre-school children is just one part of a wider package of reforms being looked at in government.
 
“I will continue to work closely with ministerial colleagues in this area and the coalition government will come forward with other proposals in due course.”