Commenting on the news that the Department for Education will consult on plans to raise the number of two-year-olds that one member of staff can care for in early years settings in England, from four to five, early years lead Letitia McCalla said:

“The DfE is proposing to lower standards, potentially compromising children’s safety, and the quality of their care and education.

“Instead of cutting corners on health and safety and standards, the Government should be investing more in early years provision to tackle the ongoing funding, recruitment and retention crises.

“These proposals are unlikely to deliver the intended cost savings for parents, and will only serve to increase the stress levels of staff within settings.

“Children, parents and staff deserve better.

“We will strongly oppose these measures in the consultation.”

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