Petition · Department for Education
Mandate stricter childcare staff ratios: In-room presence & 2:1 qualified staff
Closed
40 signatures
What the petition asks
Urge the Government to strengthen nursery staff-to-child ratio laws by mandating two key changes to the EYFS. The safety and quality of young children's care hinge on the expertise of practitioners. Current regulations lack safeguards, risking understaffing and inadequate support in child care.
We urge the Government to implement two vital changes for child safety and quality of care:
Staff-in-Ratio Must Be In-Room Practitioners: The staff-to-child ratio must strictly include only those practitioners physically present and actively supervising children in the specific room. Close loopholes allowing non-direct care staff (admin, management) to be counted.
Minimum Qualification Ratio (2:1): Mandate a minimum of two qualified staff (Level 2+) for every one unqualified member in the statutory ratio. This guarantees consistent expertise and leadership, preventing burnout and ensuring the safe, high-quality care children deserve.
Staff-in-Ratio Must Be In-Room Practitioners: The staff-to-child ratio must strictly include only those practitioners physically present and actively supervising children in the specific room. Close loopholes allowing non-direct care staff (admin, management) to be counted.
Minimum Qualification Ratio (2:1): Mandate a minimum of two qualified staff (Level 2+) for every one unqualified member in the statutory ratio. This guarantees consistent expertise and leadership, preventing burnout and ensuring the safe, high-quality care children deserve.
Timeline
| 16 Jan 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 16 Jul 2026 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
40
Status
Closed
Department
Department for Education
Opened
16 Jan 2026
Closed
16 Jul 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 22 Aug 2026.