PRESS RELEASE For immediate release
Childcare Is Not Child’s Play: Children Will Pay the Price for Government Reforms Professionals in the Early Years sector have responded with dismay to the Coalition Government’s recently proposed reforms to childcare. The Government’s main proposals appear to be centred on an attempt to cut the cost of childcare by reducing staff-to-child ratios for babies and two year olds, creating child-minding agencies and reducing or eliminating any local authority support, training and staff development. As experienced professionals, committed to supporting the wellbeing of children and their parents, we believe that such proposals will be detrimental to the quality of childcare provision in the UK, currently the envy of the world. Since staff-to-child ratios are a key indicator of quality care, changing the ratio to allow two graduate staff to work with six two year olds will put children and staff at risk, and more importantly will be detrimental to children’s development. By contrast, quality childcare is a key factor in one of the Deputy Prime Minister’s major aspirations - improving social mobility. Good childcare allows mothers to go to work, and enhances a child’s future development. Early Years professionals have faced criticism and had their concerns ignored, despite the vital role they play in society. In light of this, the London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) has initiated a series of celebrations on Saturday 1st June International Children’s Day - to promote the welfare of children and celebrate the contribution all Early Years staff make to children worldwide.
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