Petitions/​Mandate stricter childcare staff ratios: In-room presence & 2:1 qualified staff
StatusOngoing
Opened16 Jan 2026
Closes
Government response
Parliamentary debateNot eligible
Milestones

​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.

10,000
100,000

Constituency engagement ranking

Fabian Hamilton
1Fabian Hamilton MP
Leeds North East
3
Angela Rayner
2Angela Rayner MP
Ashton-under-Lyne
2
Dr Roz Savage
3Dr Roz Savage MP
South Cotswolds
2
Mr Adnan Hussain
4Mr Adnan Hussain MP
Blackburn
1
Jessica Toale
5Jessica Toale MP
Bournemouth West
1
Barry Gardiner
6Barry Gardiner MP
Brent West
1
Ruth Cadbury
7Ruth Cadbury MP
Brentford and Isleworth
1
Jacob Collier
8Jacob Collier MP
Burton and Uttoxeter
1
Rebecca Harris
9Rebecca Harris MP
Castle Point
1
Sir Christopher Chope
10Sir Christopher Chope MP
Christchurch
1