NDNA finds four in five staff against childcare ratio changes

An online questionnaire by the charity also found that 72 per cent of nursery workers believe the government's proposals to relax staff-to-child ratios will do little to boost the finances of early years settings.

The government wants better qualified early years staff to be able to care for up to six two-year-olds at a time, or four children under the age of one, in a bid to help providers increase their income and reduce fees for parents.

But the NDNA survey of nursery workers suggests that settings are likely to voluntarily maintain current ratios, which allow one member of staff to look after three children aged under two years or four two-year-olds at the same time.

“Our snapshot survey has revealed widespread opposition to the proposed ratio changes from the nursery sector and doubt that the changes will have any impact on fees,” said Purnima Tanuku, NDNA’s chief executive.

“NDNA believes that changes to the number of children individual nursery workers can look after should only be considered if backed by strong evidence from the UK that there will not be a negative impact on the quality of care children receive.

“Pay makes up around 70 per cent of nursery fees and better qualified staff cost more to employ, so it seems likely savings made by employing fewer staff would be eclipsed by higher wages.”

NDNA conducted the snapshot survey of its members in response to the publication of the government’s More Great Childcare reforms, announced at the end of January.

More than 140 of the organisation’s members responded. Of these, 80 per cent disagreed with the statement: “The number of children to each nursery staff member should be increased if staff have higher qualifications, as set out by the government.”

NDNA asked members if working to the proposed new ratios and qualifications would mean that they could change fees to parents. In total, 72 per cent of respondents said the changes would have no impact on fees.