Sector unhappy with ratio proposals

While they welcome the guiding principle of the EYFS in response to the recent consultation, they dispute details about its implementation, with ratios a key issue. Training, inspecting and inclusive practice were also not well enough defined for some.

The National Childminding Association has successfully campaigned to change the childminding ratios proposed by the DfES (News 20 July), but other organisations remain concerned about ratios in settings.

The Pre-school Learning Alliance's chief executive Steve Alexander, said, 'The sector has long lobbied for improvements to ratios. We cannot lose ground by measures that dilute support and adversely affect quality.'

Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of National Day Nurseries Association, queried the 'clarity and accessibility' of the document, claiming it was 'open to interpretation'. She added, 'We are still very concerned about the proposed relaxation in ratios. The proposed 1:13 ratio for three-to five-year-olds jeopardises the quality of care and education children will receive. We believe this ratio is in the interest of schools rather than children. NDNA would like to see a ratio of 1:8 across all settings.'