To Decision-Makers in Education and Care,
I write to you as an educator and advocate for the safety and well-being of children and staff in early childhood education.
Our current educator-to-child ratios, while compliant with the National Law and Regulations, are no longer sufficient to meet the complex safeguarding and emotional needs of children in today’s early learning environments. We urge you to lead a national reform that raises these ratios not as a bureaucratic adjustment, but as a moral imperative.
Why Higher Ratios Matter
- Child Safety: The Four Eyes Policy—a safeguarding principle requiring two adults to be present or observant during high-risk interactions is difficult to uphold under stretched ratios. This policy is vital to prevent abuse, protect educators from false allegations, and ensure transparency.
- Regulatory Gaps: While the Education and Care Services National Regulations mandate adequate supervision (Regulations 168–170), they do not guarantee that two adults are always available during intimate care, transitions, or emotional crises.
- Incident Trends: Sector reports and anecdotal evidence reveal rising incidents of harm, neglect, and professional burnout often linked to understaffing and supervision breakdowns. These are not isolated cases; they reflect systemic strain.
- Educator Wellbeing: High ratios contribute to chronic stress, emotional fatigue, and workforce attrition. Educators cannot provide responsive, trauma-informed care when stretched beyond safe limits.
Our Call to Action
We respectfully urge you to:
- Mandate lower group sizes and higher adult-to-child ratios, especially for infants and toddlers.
- Embed the Four Eyes Policy into national regulations, ensuring two adults are present at all times.
- Fund workforce expansion and retention so services can meet higher ratios without compromising viability.
- Consult with educators and sector leaders to co-design ratio reforms that reflect lived experience and safeguarding realities.
This is a moment to lead with courage and compassion. Raising ratios is not just a regulatory fix; it is a commitment to protecting childhood, restoring educator dignity, and preventing harm before it occurs.
Yours sincerely,
A Concerned Early Childhood Educator