Like many of you, I remember the rewind on ratios campaign. It stands out, we not only united as a sector, but we harnessed parent power, and we won. We find ourselves back there, nearly ten years later. Although this time, the world looks different. Post-pandemic, post-Brexit and as costs, vacancies and pressures rise, the proposed rise in ratios has been met with disapproval. Nine out of ten settings are against the plans.
Comparing my perspective now, to 2013, there is one clear difference. Previously a simple no. This time, I’m nervous of saying no without proposing an alternative. I know the obvious solution is fairer funding, but I’ve lost my belief in that being delivered within the current system. I know the obvious answer is the DfE needs to rethink, but I have no reason to believe in their thinking.
The arguments for fairer funding have been made over and over again. They focus on the overwhelmingly significant period of early childhood that we have the privilege of being part of. They are robustly evidenced, making international comparisons. Yet they haven’t delivered fair funding. ‘Free childcare’ is a vote-winner, and while we continue to open our doors, I’m doubtful that change is coming. Particularly in a post-furlough world, with the NHS, schools, police and mental health services all shouting for help.
So where do we go from here? If we can’t rely on more, then can’t we push for different? I don’t know what different looks like, but I know we should be looking for it. Can funding pass straight to providers, or to parents? Can funding be based on parental income? On children’s needs? More money to the children who need it most. Actual levelling up. Can we take universal free school meals from the children who need them least and redistribute to the children in early years who need them most? Should we contribute to an early education pot, like our pensions? Should childcare costs be salary sacrificed if you earn under a certain threshold? How else can we approach floor space, ‘full and relevant’ qualifications? Should we try to understand how 1:5 works in Scotland?…
The ratios proposal does not solve our challenges. It does not solve the cost challenges for parents. It does not solve the disproportionate impact that our systemic challenges have on mothers and therefore on gender equality. If we carry on with a universal approach, we risk universally failing everyone. It is time for something different.