Dear Shannon, 

Savings resulting from changes to the Early Years Childcare Ratio in England

Thank you for your letter of 14 July raising your concerns about the estimate of potential savings arising from proposed changes to the adult-to-child ratio for two-year-olds in early years settings, which was included in the press release accompanying the consultation. You highlighted that the method for this calculated saving could not be found publicly and included in your letter the caveats that should be applied when using this figure.

Our guidance on intelligent transparency sets out that data quoted publicly should be made available to all in a transparent way, including the source and appropriate explanation of context, including strengths and limitations.

The Department for Education have amended the press release containing the estimate of the potential savings to include the source of the calculation, and the methods used when calculating it. They have told us that they are currently collecting data from providers on the likely impact of these changes, including any potential cost savings for parents. Data will be published alongside the consultation response.

Thank you for taking the time to contact us with your concern. 

Yours sincerely,

Ed Humpherson
Director General for Regulation