News

Thousands of parents and childcare staff back petitions against PM’s plans to relax ratios

Parents and childcare providers in their tens of thousands have condemned the Government’s plans to cut the number of staff required to care for children in early years settings.
Tens of thousands of parents and those in the education sector have given their backing to calls for the prime minister to rethink plans to reduce staff: child ratios PHOTO Adobe Stock
Tens of thousands of parents and those in the education sector have given their backing to calls for the prime minister to rethink plans to reduce staff: child ratios PHOTO Adobe Stock

A petition started by the parents of a boy that died after a medical emergency at nursery, that warns reducing ratios in early years settings could ‘endanger’ children, has attracted more than 14,000 signatures, while an open letter to the prime minister on the same issue by LEYF’s chief executive has been signed by over 1,100 people, including childcare providers and teachers.

They are in reaction to claims that the prime minister Boris Johnson is looking at relaxing staff: child ratios as a way to reduce ‘living costs’ for families, as reported by Nursery World last week. The children and families minister Will Quince is also due to visit other countries including France and the Netherlands who have a 'different regulatory structure, including different ratios'.

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

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion

  • Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here