The Pre-School Learning Alliance's survey of 550 members, carried out to inform its response to the Childcare Commission, found that the majority of members (94 per cent) thought reducing staffing levels would have a negative effect on quality of care.
One respondent said, 'Fewer staff would undoubtedly reduce the quality of provision.'
More than 90 per cent of respondents said they believe that Ofsted's role in sector regulation should be about the same and that current sector regulations are generally at the right level.
However, some members voiced concerns over the inconsistency of inspections and Ofsted inspectors in particular.
The survey also revealed that just 10 per cent of nurseries and pre-schools said they currently receive adequate funding to cover the cost of childcare places under the free entitlement. This marks a significant decline from a previous survey conducted by the Alliance in May, when the figure was 38 per cent.
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