The study by Nottingham Trent University and the University of Northampton, based upon responses from 154 staff working in early years settings, suggests the 1:5 ratio for two-year-olds in England ‘simply doesn’t work’ in nurseries where it has been implemented.
Since last September, nurseries in England have been allowed to increase staff: child ratios from 1:4 to 1:5 for two-year-olds.
According to the research, respondents working to relaxed ratios feel they are taking on more of a ‘crowd control role’, than education and early child development.
A managing director with 20 years’ experience said, ‘On days when we have no choice but to work to ratios it feels more like crowd control. Staff are involved with meeting basic physical needs and ensuring no one is hurt which leaves little time for anything else. Staff are more stressed which impacts the way they interact with the children. Children are less happy and less engaged in play.’
Another said, that for much of the day, she is simply 'firefighting’.
Over a quarter (27 per cent) said the change had ‘harmed’ staff wellbeing. Some reported staff being off work with sickness or stress, and more practitioners leaving. One director said staff were lasting an average of four to five months in the job.
Respondents reported feeling ‘overwhelmed’ by the 1:5 staff to child ratio change, and it made it ‘particularly difficult to meet children’s holistic needs such as toilet training and emotional development.
A third of staff (32 per cent) at nurseries that adhered to the relaxed ratios feel that quality of care had been impacted. There were also concerns that the setting was no longer safe.
A room leader with six years’ experience said, ‘We make it work but it does not always feel safe due to some children having additional needs or being able to watch them all at the same time.’
There was also evidence of managers leaving their roles to work in rooms and be counted in ratios.
Those surveyed, reported an ‘overwhelming’ feeling of pressure from Ofsted.
The research was carried out by Aaron Bradbury, principal lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at Nottingham Trent University and David Meechan, senior lecturer in education at the University of Northampton.
Aaron Bradbury said, ‘It’s shocking to see such disregard to children and professionals within a sector which is literally on its knees. The impact that these reforms have had could be long lasting for our children.
‘It is a dark reality of how we have allowed this to happen to a sector which was once thriving. Children's safety and care and nurture needs to be at the forefront of our practices. I call on the Government to carry out a review, not just on ratios but on all aspects of the workforce immediately. We can and must do better for our youngest children.
David Meechan added, ‘The research makes it clear that for the settings where relaxed ratios are used, it spells a disaster for children and the practitioners responsible for them. Surely policy should be aimed at developing a sustainable environment for children to learn in and practitioners to work in?
‘Our research didn’t find any positive impact of the change to ratios and it therefore needs urgent review.’
The Department for Education has made clear however that the relaxed ratios for two-year-olds are optional and not mandatory.
- ‘Balancing Numbers or Addressing Needs? Child to Adult Ratios, Practitioner Well-being, and Quality of Provision in Early Years Settings in England Balancing Numbers or Addressing Needs? Child to Adult Ratios, Practitioner Well-being, and Quality of Provision in Early Years Settings in England’, is available here
