NSW decreasing carer-child ratios

[Pandora]

NSW govt are going to change the ratio of carers to children from 1-5, to 1-4 for children under 2.

I think this is a fantastic move, and i hope Victoria follows.

[Ellibam]

its in the pipeline for SA to

[Peach]

That is fantastic news! Almost makes me think twice about going back to child care when DD starts school .. finally they are getting a clue.

[MantaRay]

They already have the 1:4 ratio in Queensland, have for years. I do think it is much better. But watch out in NSW, it will probably increase the cost of day care!

[MrsFabuloso]

Wooohooo!!! We've been waiting for this for years! That is such great news

[CathieW]

Hi,

What is the differance with 1:5 - 1:4.

[MrsFabuloso]

More onene attention for the bubs. It means that there are more caregivers to look after the children in the 0-2's room.

[Je$$_84]

I think this is great..... YAY

[luna moth]

Victoria's actually got 1:3 in the pipelines, yip yip! Last place I worked down there was 3 carers:10 children. Still hectic, but quite nice, really.

[CathieW]

So that means the cost of child care is going to go up as the centres will have to employ more staff.

Cathie

[Bathsheba]

Where i worked it was often 3 carers to 10 children in the 0 - 2 room. When you have babies this is soooo necessary. Imagine having to feed 10 babies and toddlers at the same time... then settle them all to sleep at the same time... watching them all playing on equipment... often one person is constantly unable to do all those things because a nappy needs changing... or the phone rings... or a child hurts themself and you need to comfort/apply first aid... which reduces the active ratio by a person for the duration of that time. Even going to the toilet (staff) can be a luxury at times!

The job of a childcare worker is so very undervalued. 1:3 is optimal for the safety and wellbeing of babies and toddlers.