Proposed child:staff ratios have caused concern across the sector, with many worried about the implications
Terina Manchand-Simpson, manager of Lithos Pre-school in Swiss Cottage, north London, believes that "free-flow play" ? which involves moving between indoor playrooms and an outdoor playground at will ? is one of the most important facilities that her centre offers. And one that the children she cares for enjoy.
"It's not just about their physical development," she said. "Being able to go outside whenever the children want sparks unexpected learning curves. When it was snowing, they broke ice off the play equipment and we talked about it melting, then put snow into a tray with toy polar bears. In the autumn, they picked up leaves and we did all sorts of projects."
But Manchand-Simpson fears that free-flow play may have to stop, thanks to the increased child-to-staff ratios.
Statutory ratios vary for age and settings but the changes due to come into force in the autumn will increase the number of two-year-olds per adult from four to six. For those aged one and under, the ratio will increase from three children per adult, to four. Nurseries will have a 1:13 staff to child ration that allows more babies, while childminders on their own can have 1:6, again, with more babies.
"When I first heard about the new ratios [for two-year-olds], my immediate thought was: 'How will this impact on the children?' I thought straightaway of our free-flow play.
"We have 15 children here and a child: staff ratio of 3:1. I just don't see how those same adults could safely care for twice as many children," she said, staring out into the playground and trying to picture it. No. I can't see how that would be safe."
There are other implications from the new ratios. Monday was the start of Micah Daycreator's third week at the pre-school ? and the first day he didn't arrive tearful, needing one-to-one attention from Manchand-Simpson.
"Micah is a standard, normal three-year-old. He just took a long time to settle," said Manchand-Simpson. "I could give him the attention he needed but there's no way I could have done that had I had more children to look after."
Natalie, Micah's mother, also pointed out that her son has chronic asthma: "What are the implications for his care if there are more children per staff member?"
Manchand-Simpson's concerns are echoed by many across childcare. Nursery World magazine reports that almost the whole sector is against the new proposals. The National Childminding Association (NCMA) said its members feel so strongly that they have started a petition in protest.
Almost 95% of respondents to a survey by the Pre-School Learning Alliance said they would not be able to maintain quality service with fewer staff. The Day Nurseries Association, which speaks for the private sector, are also opposed, despite half of private nurseries making almost no profit this year.
Others give qualified support. Celine Coldman, an NCMA member in Rochdale, said ratios are something "you just can't generalise about". But, she adds: "To say that a newly qualified childminder could look after four children is simply quite frightening."
Yamila Diaz Amy Smart Important Source Jolene Blalock Fast Payday Loans Online
No comments:
Post a Comment