Childcare Ratios

[GPLady]

Hi Everyone,

I'm sure you'll remember me from last time I posted about our petition. But if not, me and my husband have created a petition to implore the Government to debate and stop the proposed increase to ratios for over 2s in childcare settings.

This is a very difficult time of year for us, tomorrow marks the 1 year anniversary of our Little Man, Oliver, passing away following an incident at nursery. He was 9 months old.

I can't talk about the case, as it's still under investigation. However what we can do is try to make a difference and stop the ratio changes going through...it has been shown that the majority of providers will not be lowering their fees, this will not be helping the cost of living crisis. It will be putting staff under more pressure and putting childrens' welfare, education and enjoyment at risk.

/news/2022/05/relaxed-ratios-won’t-lower-early-years-costs-survey-suggests

100k signatures is what we need for this to be considered for debate in Parliament. I know I've already asked...but if you could please take 2 minutes to sign the petition, and share where ever you're able, it would be incredible.

petition.parliament.uk/petitions/615623

I'm so sorry about your lovely boy OP

Reading the petition though the ratio change is for ages over 2 (presume no change to younger children?)

I'm so sorry to hear about your beautiful little Oliver OP. Have signed the petition.

Do you have any social media pages we could also share with links to the petition? Instagram/Facebook etc?

Thank you 💙

It is just for over 2s at the moment, however we still think this needs to be fought, as having 5 2 year olds in your responsibility (with the duty of care required legally) is, in our eyes, too many xxx

Thank you loads 💙 If you search for Zoe Steeper on Facebook you'll see a public post that you could share if you didn't mind. If you search oliversfoundation on Instagram there'll be the same post as well xxx

Signed petition OP- So so sorry for your loss of your beautiful baby. I can't begin to imagine.

Thank you so much 💙

So sorry for the loss of gorgeous Oliver. I signed this the last time you posted but commenting to bump the post.

Your gorgeous boy 💙

As pp, I signed the last time I came across this so bumping for you

I'm an old experienced nursery worker. It's very hard to find staff nowadays. A chain near me has just had to shut due to simply not being able to staff the place. The staff that are out there all want to work for the good nurseries, but how do you tell the good from the bad? Relaxing ratios would be a clear and obvious sign. Staff there would know that they have to do more 'admin', have more responsibility, and plain old more work than other nurseries. They would have to pay more to compensate which would cancel out the savings.
There's just no way it will happen.

@GPLady I'm so sorry for your loss & applaud your efforts to make a difference for others.