Ratio changes in updated EYFS will compromise quality and safety, Alliance warns
The Early Years Alliance has issued a comment following the publication of a new version of the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage Framework).
The update includes the new ratios limits for two-year-olds in nurseries and pre-schools, the clarification on flexibilities around childminder ratio rules when caring for and educating siblings or their child/children, and the rules around safe eating practices.
The guidance can be read here.
Commenting, Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance, said:
鈥淎t the Alliance we believe that changes to ratios will only serve to harm quality and compromise safety, and given the level of opposition to the policy, the fact that the government has pushed ahead with these plans is nothing less than shameful.
鈥淚t's clear that these ratio changes are being implemented at the worst possible time for the early years sector and families. Not only do children need more individual care and attention than ever but coupling the ratio changes with the upcoming expansion of 鈥榝ree hours鈥 risks piling more pressure on a workforce that is already pushed to the limit.鈥
鈥淭ime and time again, the views of the early years sector have been completely disregarded 鈥 and changes to ratios are yet another example of this. We remain fully opposed to this change and will continue in our efforts to ensure that this retrograde policy is reversed.鈥