United Voice News
Better ratios for quality childcare
Mon 12 Apr 10
Comments
Victorian childcare members were jubilant in December when new national childcare standards were announced at a Council of Australian Governments meeting.
The new standards include improved ratios for the over-three age group.
Victoria’s ratio for this group is currently one carer to 15 children – the worst in Australia.
Under the new standards this ratio will move to one carer to eleven children by 2015.
We asked four Victorian childcare members for their reaction.
“I was rapt. Since the first time I worked alone with 15 children I’ve been an advocate for the cause. It’s a great change. Now we can press on and make more changes needed in childcare. It was good that it brought recognition to this industry.” Brooke Telford, Kinder Haven Northland
“I think it’s brilliant. It will give us a chance to provide a higher level of quality care and spend the one-on-one time with the children that they deserve.” Natalie Harris, ABC Pascoe Vale 1
“We all worked really hard to get these ratios. This is what can happen when many small voices make a big noise! It’s about time.” Kay Marchant, Annie Dennis Children's Centre Northcote
“I thought it was fantastic – it should have happened sooner but I am so glad it finally did. It’s our first step towards providing quality care.” Joanne Baker, Aussie Kids of Ararat
