29/01/2013

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.

Critics however are warning that the changes in ratios could actually compromise quality of care, are unlikely to reduce the overall cost and are likely to be unpopular with parents.

Statutory ratios for carers per child vary depending on age and setting. Ratios for two-year-olds are set to rise from four children per adult to six children per adult, and for ones-and-under to rise from three children per adult to four children per adult.

Ratios for three-year-olds and over would remain at eight or 13 children per adult, depending on whether a qualified graduate was present.

(H)

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