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09.05.13

Childcare reform must ‘get the balance right’ – Clegg

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg could block reform to childcare ratios, following concerns from charities and parents groups.

David Cameron planned to implement changes in ratios from September, increasing the number of children carers can look after. For children aged one and under, the ratio is set to rise from 3 to 4, and the two-year old ratio will rise from 4 to 6. The ratio for three-year olds will stay the same, at 8.

Education minister Liz Truss said the move would improve the quality of childcare but lower costs.

Clegg said the Government had to “get the balance right”.

He added: “I have got young children ... they have been through nursery so I know how much parents will really care that we get this right in terms of improving both the affordability of childcare, which we must do, but also the quality.

“What the Department for Education did is they consulted and they said is it possible to have an adult look after more children, so instead of four two-year-olds ... go up to six two-year-olds. I think four is already quite a handful, just imagine if they go up to six.

“Can you do that at the same time as raising quality? A lot of people basically got back in the consultation and said this isn't going to work, particularly for very small children, it isn't necessarily going to be passed on in terms of cost savings to parents.”

Shadow education secretary Stephen Twigg said: “David Cameron's childcare plans have descended into chaos. Labour has warned for months that increasing the number of children that nursery staff look after would threaten child safety and the quality of care.

“After intense opposition, including from parents, childcare staff and experts, the Government appear to be U-turning on ratios. Ministers need to come to Parliament to confirm that these proposals are being dropped.”

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