The early years foundation stage (EYFS) framework states that ratios may be relaxed in "exceptional circumstances".
Ministers have confirmed that staffing shortages caused by the latest wave of the pandemic is “an exceptional circumstance in which the staff to child ratios set out in the EYFS can temporarily be changed if necessary, for example to respond to Covid-related workforce absences”.
However, childcare settings are warned that they continue to be “responsible for maintaining the quality of care, safety and security of children”.
Early years leaders have welcomed the move to help nurseries, which were already been dealing with recruitment problems before the pandemic.
National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) chief executive Purnima Tanuku said the relaxing of ratios “being given to nurseries and early years settings will be important as many are facing daily challenges as to how they can staff their rooms”.
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