There were obviously many concerns raised by respondents to the EYFS consultation, particularly about the learning goals and assessment, but a significant number expressed worry about the 1:30 ratio in reception year. The Government, however, says that it does not propose to change the exisiting requirements.
Reception ratios have long been a contentious issue. As consultant Julie Cigman points out on the Nursery World LinkedIn discussion on this subject, how can we have truly observation-led teaching and provision, or support play and child-initiated learning under this system? And how can the key person approach possibly work effectively?
Sutton's intention to challenge the 30 class size limit, to provide much-needed extra places without expensive building programmes, raises the prospect of worse to come. And budget cuts mean that teaching assistant time is being reduced, which will also hit reception class provision.
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