Alliance responds to potential relaxation of childcare ratios in government 'battle plan'
Commenting, Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Early Years Alliance, said:
“These are unprecedented circumstances and so we fully recognise that the early years sector needs to adapt as necessary, both to help prevent the further spread of coronavirus as far as possible, and also to deal with the possible consequences of the virus, such as an increase in members of staff calling in sick or being required to self-isolate.
"That said, existing childcare ratios are in place for a reason, and so any temporary adjustments made to current rules must still ensure that child safety and wellbeing are not compromised. Relaxing ratios in an early years setting is not the same as relaxing class size standards in a primary or secondary setting, and any such changes should not be lumped together.
"As such, we hope any decisions made in this regard will be considered and well-thought-out, and not simply a knee-jerk reaction that ignores the specific care needs and requirements of very young children."
Editor notes
- The Early Years Alliance is the largest and most representative early years membership organisation in England. A registered educational charity, it also provides high-quality affordable childcare and education to support children and families in areas of deprivation throughout the country.
- The Alliance represents 14,000 members and supports them to deliver care and learning to more than 800,000 families every year. We deliver family learning projects, offer information and advice, produce specialist publications, run acclaimed training programmes and campaign to influence early years policy and practice.
- The Alliance website is