Nursery providers in England are alarmed by recent government adjustments to childcare supervision ratios, warning of safety risks and staffing challenges. Critics argue that the policy prioritises cost savings over child welfare, with calls for a reversal to safeguard children and support vulnerable groups.
Nursery providers in England have expressed concerns over recent government changes to childcare supervision ratios, citing risks to child safety. Since September, nurseries only require one adult for every five two-year-olds, a change criticized for stretching staffing and potentially endangering children.
Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance, and other providers argue this policy prioritizes financial savings over children’s well-being. Concerns were amplified following the deaths of two babies in nurseries, prompting calls for a reversal of the policy to ensure safer childcare environments and better support for children with additional needs.
This policy aligns English ratios with Scottish practices but faces opposition from within the sector. Rob Fox, of Happy Bunnies nursery, highlighted the increased pressure on staff and potential safety risks, particularly with a less experienced workforce. Both Conservative and Labour parties have yet to commit to reversing the policy.
Additionally, the government’s scheme to provide free childcare faces hurdles, with a “pitiful” response to grants for new childminders. From November to March, only 1,627 grants were awarded, insufficient to address the sector’s staffing shortages. The number of childminders has halved over the past decade, leading to fears of further declines.
Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, criticized the government’s lack of a clear delivery plan. The scheme, which aims to extend free childcare to more working parents by 2025, risks failing due to the shortage of providers, exacerbated by rising operational costs and inadequate funding rates.
Neil Leitch and other experts stress the need for a long-term retention strategy and better investment in the early years sector to prevent further attrition and ensure sustainable childcare provision.