Menu
22/03/2013
Childcare Adviser Highly Critical of Government Plan
A key government childcare adviser has blasted proposals to increase the number of children nursery staff can look after in England, saying the plans "make no sense at all".
In her strongly worded response to the government's plans, More Great Childcare, Prof Cathy Nutbrown said the current proposals would "shake the foundations" of quality nursery provisions.
"Watering down ratios regardless of the level of qualifications held by staff is likely to lead to worse, not 'great', childcare and will undermine intentions to provide quality early learning experiences".
"So, do I think changing the ratios will make a difference if people are better qualified?
"The difference will be too few adults with too many little children; too few moments in the day for a toddler to have uninterrupted time with their key person, and too few early years practitioners to talk and work with parents."
"Here is the nub, there is nothing relaxing about the proposal to 'relax' ratios. It will lead to stress - for children, for parents and for early years practitioners, whatever their title or qualification."
It was impossible to provide "good foundations for life and learning for the youngest children on the cheap", she added.
(H)
In her strongly worded response to the government's plans, More Great Childcare, Prof Cathy Nutbrown said the current proposals would "shake the foundations" of quality nursery provisions.
"Watering down ratios regardless of the level of qualifications held by staff is likely to lead to worse, not 'great', childcare and will undermine intentions to provide quality early learning experiences".
"So, do I think changing the ratios will make a difference if people are better qualified?
"The difference will be too few adults with too many little children; too few moments in the day for a toddler to have uninterrupted time with their key person, and too few early years practitioners to talk and work with parents."
"Here is the nub, there is nothing relaxing about the proposal to 'relax' ratios. It will lead to stress - for children, for parents and for early years practitioners, whatever their title or qualification."
It was impossible to provide "good foundations for life and learning for the youngest children on the cheap", she added.
(H)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 January 2013
Proposal Will Allow Childminders To Accept More Children
New proposals will allow nurseries and childminders in England to look after more children, providing carers qualifications meet new standards. The proposals, due to come into effect in the autumn, would make more childcare places available and reduce costs for parents in the "long term", children's minister Liz Truss has said.
Proposal Will Allow Childminders To Accept More Children
New proposals will allow nurseries and childminders in England to look after more children, providing carers qualifications meet new standards. The proposals, due to come into effect in the autumn, would make more childcare places available and reduce costs for parents in the "long term", children's minister Liz Truss has said.
23 May 2013
Charities Highlight Rise In Children Abusing Children
Children’s charities have warned that an increasing number of children are being abused by other children, adding that their helplines have seen a growing number of calls from children about sexual abuse.
Charities Highlight Rise In Children Abusing Children
Children’s charities have warned that an increasing number of children are being abused by other children, adding that their helplines have seen a growing number of calls from children about sexual abuse.
28 May 2014
Five Million Children Could Be In Poverty By 2020
A record five million children in the UK could be trapped in poverty by 2020, according to new research by Save the Children.
Five Million Children Could Be In Poverty By 2020
A record five million children in the UK could be trapped in poverty by 2020, according to new research by Save the Children.
23 September 2013
Labour Pledges To Increase Free Childcare Hours
Labour have made a pledge to give working families in England an additional ten hours of free childcare, up from 15 to 25 hours, should they win the next election. Working parents with children aged three-to-four years old will be eligible, including single parents and families with both parents working.
Labour Pledges To Increase Free Childcare Hours
Labour have made a pledge to give working families in England an additional ten hours of free childcare, up from 15 to 25 hours, should they win the next election. Working parents with children aged three-to-four years old will be eligible, including single parents and families with both parents working.
08 January 2015
Childcare Costs Forcing Parents To Give Up Work
One in five parents with childcare costs will reduce the amount of hours they work, or will consider giving up work altogether, in 2015.
Childcare Costs Forcing Parents To Give Up Work
One in five parents with childcare costs will reduce the amount of hours they work, or will consider giving up work altogether, in 2015.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
