Childcare: Clegg Resists Nursery Ratio Shake-Up

The coalition's flagship childcare reforms have been thrown into doubt after Nick Clegg signalled he does not support loosening ratios in nurseries.

A spokesman for the Deputy Prime Minister said he "remained to be convinced" that staff and childminders should be allowed to look after more youngsters.

The policy, being championed by Tory education minister Liz Truss, emerged after months of wrangling between the coalition parties.

From September, the ratio for under-ones had been due to rise from three per adult to four.

Each adult would be able to look after more two-year-olds - six instead of four.

However, the ratio for three-year-olds would stay at eight or 13 children per adult, depending on whether a qualified graduate was present.

Ms Truss has argued that the changes would lower childcare costs and allow professionals in the sector to be paid higher salaries.

But the proposals have run into fierce opposition from experts and unions.

Dropping them could have serious consequences for the wider childcare provision shake-up, which includes tax breaks worth £1,200 for families where both parents work.

Mr Clegg's spokesman said: "The delivery of good quality affordable childcare is one of Nick Clegg's biggest priorities in Government.

"He has looked very closely at proposals to increase the number of children each adult can look after - and at the very serious concerns raised by parents and childcare providers in the recent Government consultation.

Nick Clegg's opposition to the childcare changes could result in a U-turn

"Nick remains to be persuaded that this is the right thing to do for very young children. Or, crucially, to be persuaded that this would actually help families with high childcare costs.

"This continues to be discussed in Government."

Sky News Deputy Political Editor Joey Jones said a Government U-turn was a possibility and it would depend on whether "David Cameron decided to stand behind Ms Truss or let the policy slide away quietly".

He said Mr Clegg's concerns stemmed from the opposition from parents and childcare providers, who are not happy about the proposals and do not think they will save costs, that arose during the Government consultation.

"His point is that if it does not save money there really is no point in proceeding," Jones said.

Shadow education secretary Stephen Twigg said the Prime Minister's childcare plans had "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," he added.

A Downing Street spokesman said: "We are reforming the childcare system so that providers have more flexibility when they have highly qualified staff.

"Ratio changes, which are not compulsory, will allow providers to have the flexibility to increase pay for better qualified workers.

"We are clear that quality and safety are paramount - any changes to ratios will only be on the basis of increased qualification levels and will not be mandatory.

"The consultation was agreed government policy and we will respond to it in due course."

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