To think relaxing adult to child ratios won’t improve childcare costs?

[Tillsforthrills]

Ministers are continuing with the idea of changing regulation to relax adult to child ratio’s to ‘reduce childcare costs’. This idea was aborted 8 years ago due to a backlash from Nurseries, childminders and parents.

For example, an EY worker would usually be able to care for three children ages 0-5 would potentially care for five.

Instead of properly funding Early Years and supporting parents with the costs, their solution is to reduce the quality of childcare and make EY carers work much harder with more children, less pay and shouldering the responsibility of easing the financial burden on parents.

Would you be prepared for your child to be cared for under these conditions if it meant lower costs?

@FairyCakeWings

I wouldn’t feel safe leaving my baby in a nursery where ratios are lower than they already are, especially taking into consideration that nursery workers are often young and inexperienced school leavers who are still in training.

They are already underpaid and to expect more from them is exploitative.

This is rude.

Young and inexperienced school leavers!?

This is why people are leaving the industry.

Do you know the amount of training we have to have to be qualified?

It isn't a 16 year old babysitting. A 16 year old wouldn't be allowed to be counted in the ratio.

You should educate yourself about the professionalism of the industry.

YANBU you absolutely cannot look after 5 babies/toddlers! It just isn’t possible and would lead to terrible care.

Increasing the ratios will make no difference to the cost. Nurseries and preschools may not employ as many staff but it won't lower costs to the parents. As a childminder it would make no difference to me as I wouldn't be lowering my charges even if the ratios relax as it would still cost me exactly the same to provide care for each individual child whether that is three children or five.

The overheads will increase hugely over the coming months. They can pass that cost on to parents or find a way to absorb it in the business. Altering the ratios is one way to do that.

www.nurseryworld.co.uk/news/article/ministers-reportedly-planning-to-change-staff-child-ratios-for-under-twos-to-cut-childcare-costs

www.daynurseries.co.uk/news/amp/article/id/1657378/early-years-leaders-oppose-ministers-over-relaxed-child-ratio

Apart from lower quality childcare at a crucial age, just how insulting is this to nursery workers and childminders?

Effectively saying to parents don’t worry, they’ll work harder for less so you can work.

Cut working conditions and pay for EY workers so parents can pay less.

This government is an abomination.