Nursery World - Petition against plans to change childcare ratios could be debated in Parliament

A petition against the relaxation of ratios by the parents of a child who died after a medical emergency at nursery has reached more than 100,000 signatures, meaning it will now be considered for a parliamentary debate.

The petition on GOV.UK against the relaxation of childcare ratios has reached over 100,000 signatures, PHOTO The Oliver Steeper Foundation

It comes a week after the Chancellor signalled the Government's intention to bring forward reforms to improve access to affordable and flexible childcare, following a consultation on proposed measures, including relaxing staff to child ratios in early years settings and promoting childminder agencies. The consultations on the proposed reforms closed on 16 September.

The petition on the Parliament website was started by Zoe and Lewis Steeper, whose son Oliver died a year ago in September 2021, days after he was believed to have choked at nursery. The nursery is now permanently closed.

It calls upon the Government to consider other ways to reduce childcare costs rather than change the number of staff that can care for children in early years settings, which the Steepers warn could ‘endanger children in trusted care.’

In response to the news the petition had attracted 10,000 signatures, The Oliver Steeper Foundation tweeted, 'What a powerful voice of objection on the Governments plans to change adult/child ratios in #EYFS. So grateful to everyone who has signed and shared it, please continue to do so as it still open for signatures until 12th November when it closes.'

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