Nursery World - Ratios debate 'will rear its head again'

The Government is gearing up to try and relax ratios again, argues Christie and Co's Courteney Donaldson, managing director of childcare and education

In 2017 the Conservative manifesto stated that if the party were to win the election they would look ‘at the best ways that childcare is provided elsewhere in Europe and the world’.

We feel that this is a prelude to the opening of discussions around childcare ratios, a discussion previously dismissed by the party back in 2014 following Liz Truss’ widely condemned report.

Aside from the manifesto, there are a range of issues the sector is facing which we believe will reignite the ratios debate. These factors include:

The Government is reliant on the private sector to deliver its 30 hours policy. Prior evidence has shown that the private sector is more adept at running sustainable settings when compared to local authority operated settings. But operational pressures are making this more difficult for some - and the 30 hours has been cited on multiple occasions over the past six to nine months as owners have closed their businesses and ceased trading.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included