Thank you for contacting me about childcare ratios in early years settings.
I understand that the Government is currently considering responses to the consultation on the proposal to move childcare ratios for two-year olds, from a ratio of 1:4 (one adult to four children) to 1:5 (one adult to five children). Throughout the consultation process, I can assure you that the Department for Education engaged fully with the sector, as well as parents and carers on the proposed changes. The priority continues to be to provide safe, high-quality early years provision for our youngest children.
This change to the system in England would align with that of Scotland, and there is no evidence to suggest that the Scottish model is unsafe. I am aware that evidence in Scotland suggests that there are high parental satisfaction rates, and England's statutory minimum staff-to-child ratios for two-year-olds are among the highest in Europe.
While these proposed changes to ratios would amend the existing statutory minimum requirements, providers would continue to be able to staff above these minimum requirements if that is their preference. I welcome that these changes would hand greater autonomy to settings to exercise professional judgement in the way in which they staff their settings and help as many families as possible benefit from affordable, flexible, quality childcare.
I understand that the Department will be responding to the consultation in due course and I can assure you that this is an issue I will continue to monitor closely.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.