Review child-to-staff ratios in early years Scotland
The Issue
I have dedicated 26 years of my life to working in early years education in Scotland. Throughout these years, I have witnessed a significant increase in the number of children presenting with additional support needs and developmental delays. This pressing issue has placed immense pressure on our staff due to outdated child-to-staff ratios that have remained unchanged for a quarter-century.
The Scottish Government must take action to review and adjust these ratios, particularly for children with additional support needs. The current ratios are based solely on chronological age, failing to consider the developmental stage of each child. This oversight compromises our ability to meet the needs of children requiring extra support and hinders our compliance with the Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) guidance.
Child-to-staff ratios should reflect the developmental age of children, ensuring that every child receives the attention and guidance they deserve. By doing this, we can provide a nurturing environment where children can thrive, regardless of their developmental challenges. This change would not only benefit the children but also alleviate the pressure on our dedicated staff who are committed to fostering a supportive learning environment.
Facts paint a clear picture: studies have shown that children with developmental delays benefit profoundly from tailored, small-group interactions with trained staff, leading to better overall development and learning outcomes. Yet, despite the rising number of these cases, current policies do not equip early years centers with adequate resources or staff support.
Moreover, neighboring countries and regions have successfully adopted developmental age-based ratios, and the positive impact on early education outcomes is evident. The Scottish Government stands at a pivotal moment to demonstrate leadership in prioritizing the future of our children by modernizing our approach to early years education.
Join me in urging the Scottish Government to review and revise the child-to-staff ratios in early years settings, ensuring we meet the diverse needs of every child and uphold the standards set out by GIRFEC. Together, we can initiate this crucial change. Please sign the petition today and help us create a better future for our youngest learners.
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The Issue
I have dedicated 26 years of my life to working in early years education in Scotland. Throughout these years, I have witnessed a significant increase in the number of children presenting with additional support needs and developmental delays. This pressing issue has placed immense pressure on our staff due to outdated child-to-staff ratios that have remained unchanged for a quarter-century.
The Scottish Government must take action to review and adjust these ratios, particularly for children with additional support needs. The current ratios are based solely on chronological age, failing to consider the developmental stage of each child. This oversight compromises our ability to meet the needs of children requiring extra support and hinders our compliance with the Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) guidance.
Child-to-staff ratios should reflect the developmental age of children, ensuring that every child receives the attention and guidance they deserve. By doing this, we can provide a nurturing environment where children can thrive, regardless of their developmental challenges. This change would not only benefit the children but also alleviate the pressure on our dedicated staff who are committed to fostering a supportive learning environment.
Facts paint a clear picture: studies have shown that children with developmental delays benefit profoundly from tailored, small-group interactions with trained staff, leading to better overall development and learning outcomes. Yet, despite the rising number of these cases, current policies do not equip early years centers with adequate resources or staff support.
Moreover, neighboring countries and regions have successfully adopted developmental age-based ratios, and the positive impact on early education outcomes is evident. The Scottish Government stands at a pivotal moment to demonstrate leadership in prioritizing the future of our children by modernizing our approach to early years education.
Join me in urging the Scottish Government to review and revise the child-to-staff ratios in early years settings, ensuring we meet the diverse needs of every child and uphold the standards set out by GIRFEC. Together, we can initiate this crucial change. Please sign the petition today and help us create a better future for our youngest learners.
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Petition created on 10 November 2026