Recently, I chaired the panel debate at the launch of Christie & Co’s first report on global workforce trends, a very lively and stimulating event for senior sector leaders.
One of the themes in the report was staff:child ratios, a very emotive subject. There is a feeling that ratios will be back on the agenda soon as the early years sector continues to struggle with recruitment and retention of practitioners.
It is interesting to look at international comparisons of ratios in early childhood care and education settings – and also differences within the UK – but it is not a straightforward matter.
Some countries have no regulation on ratios, but nevertheless have plenty of highly professional, highly trained teachers in their nurseries, who work in a system with much higher government funding and subsidy. They are trusted to provide for children’s needs, using ratios in a flexible way.
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