Call for Government to scrap its plans on childcare ratio changes and undertake a full consultation with practitioners and parents on future proposals

The Government plans to reduce staff-to-child ratios in early years settings and for childminders in England.

Nursery and pre-school staff could be expected to look after six two-year-old children (up from the current limit of four) and four babies aged one or under (up from three). Childminders could be expected to care for four children under five (up from three) and two babies under one (up from one).

This will impact:

CHILD SAFETY: With more children to look after, staff will undoubtedly have less time to keep an eye on your child, posing a real risk to their physical wellbeing.

CHILD SUPPORT: Staff will have less time to engage with your child on a one-to-one basis. This is of particular concern for children with additional needs, who may require extra care and attention.

Although the changes are voluntary, market pressures will force many childcarers to move to the new ratios, creating a two-tier childcare sector, which will lower overall quality.

As this e-petition has passed 10 000 signatures, the relevant Government department will be providing a Government response.

We have recently consulted on reform of childcare ratios and are currently considering all the responses. We expect to publish a response to the consultation shortly.

An update will be posted to this petition once the consultation response has been published.