Nursery World - PM's plans to reduce staff to child ratios in nurseries to cut childcare costs slammed as 'ludicrous'

Sector organisations and nurseries have roundly criticised Boris Johnson’s plans to change the rules to cut the number of staff caring for children in early years settings.

Boris Johnson visiting a nursery in Greenford during the pandemic

Reports yesterday from a Cabinet meeting suggested that the prime minister wants to relax staff to child ratios in nurseries to help cut childcare costs for parents, and tackle the cost of living crisis.

The BBC reported that the proposal came directly from the prime minister, with sources saying he wanted to lower the legal limits on adult supervision for children in England, as part of a drive to reduce living costs.

A source in the meeting said Mr Johnson had joked about knowing about the high cost of childcare - he has fathered at least seven children - before telling ministers the Government had to get on with reducing costs.

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