Introduction of a 1:4 staff to child ratio for children under two years of age
A ratio of one carer for every four children under the age of two in child care centres and mobile children’s services will be introduced as part of a new Children’s Services Regulation in 2010.
Babies and toddlers need a lot of care and attention. The time that children’s services staff can devote to each baby is critical to that child’s health, safety, and overall wellbeing.
A better ratio allows carers to develop closer relationships with children and be more involved in children’s play and learning.
Better ratios also makes staff’s work less stressful and more fulfilling which improves the stability of relationships between carers and children.
Economic analysis undertaken for the Government found that over a third of child care centres already operate at a one to four ratio. This confirms that there is already significant demand from parents for higher quality care.
regulation and regulatory impact statement
Community Services has had detailed discussions with the Industry Reference Group regarding the costs and benefits of various implementation options for the 1:4 ratio.
The advice of the Industry Reference Group is now informing the preparation of a draft Regulation and Regulatory Impact Statement.
Community Services intends to undertake stakeholder consultations on the new draft Regulation and RIS in early 2010.
New services commencing after 1 September 2010 (the new Regulation’s commencement date) will be required to comply with the 1:4 ratio from that date.
It is expected that existing services will be granted a transition period during which to make any necessary changes to ensure their services comply with this new requirement.
For existing services it is likely that the 1:4 ratio will become mandatory in early 2011.