Most people reading this article are likely to have experienced a mixture of disappointment and anger on hearing the recent announcement by the Education and Childcare Minister on childcare ratios.
In making these proposals, the Minister has completely disregarded the views of early years practitioners and many parents across the country. The day after the Government’s announcement I attended a 60 strong private early years provider event where not a single person in attendance felt that the proposal on ratio changes was acceptable. Add to that the fact that a recent Alliance survey revealed that 94% of providers believe they will be unable to maintain their current quality of service if staffing levels are reduced, and the message is clear: the sector does not support lower staff ratios.
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