Staff-child ratios in early years childcare to be debated by MPs

• Watch the debate (from 4.30, Monday 14 November)
• Read the debate transcript (available shortly after the conclusion of the debate)
• Follow the Committee on Twitter and join the discussion using #ChildcareStaffingDebate. 

Catherine McKinnell MP, Chair of the Petitions Committee, has been asked by the Committee to open the debate. MPs from all parties can take part, and the Government will send a minister to respond. 

Staff-child ratios in early years childcare 

The petition, which has more than 106,000 signatures, states: “Increasing how many children an adult can legally be held responsible for risks increasing the danger that those young children, the most vulnerable in society, are being subjected to.” 

In its response to the petition, provided on 17 May 2022, the Government said: “We will consult in the summer on moving to the Scottish ratios for two-year-olds, from a ratio of 1:4 to 1:5. We will engage fully with the sector and parents/carers on this proposed change.” 

What are petitions debates? 

Petitions debates are 'general' debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers. 

Petition debates don’t end with a vote to implement the request of a petition. This means MPs will not vote to decide staff-child ratios in early years settings at the end of the debate.  

Further information 

• Find out more about the role of the Petitions Committee 
• Find out more about select committees 

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