Tory childcare change to 'save parents £40 a week' is described as 'pathetic' and 'won't help'

The Government is today announcing a change to childcare ratios which 'could eventually' cut costs by 'up to' £40 a week . But officials admit there's no guarantee it'll cut costs - and an industry chief says it won't

A child playing in a manger (stock) (

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Tory ministers today unveil plans to scrap toddler protection rules in a bid to save money.

A consultation will suggest letting nurses in England care for five children aged two each, instead of four each.

The government says it 'could eventually' cut costs for parents by 'up to' £40 a week if nurseries pass on the savings.

A press release bragged that it was part of a “campaign to reduce the cost of childcare.”

But it is understood that there will be no way to force nurseries to pass the savings on to parents.

And government insiders doubt that cash-strapped nurseries will cut their fees, according to the Mirror.

Early Years Alliance chief executive Neil Leitch contradicted these claims, saying the plan – which already exists in Scotland – will not reduce the cost of childcare.

Instead, he said directing staff to deal with more young people would hurt quality and fuel a "catastrophic recruitment crisis".

Calling the announcement a "waste of time" and "beyond frustrating", he added, "The ignorance and myopia that would lead anyone to suggest easing ratios as a solution to the problems facing our industry are frankly mind-boggling."< /p>

A consultation on the ratio plan will close on September 16.

This is one of the measures announced today by Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi.

Others include a commitment to reduce the initial costs of becoming a childminder and allow them to spend more time in places like community centers instead of their own homes.

Nursery/toddler ratios will also be relaxed and they will receive fewer Ofsted inspections.

Mr. Zahawi is today announcing an additional £10m investment for maintained preschools - and a £1.2m marketing campaign to reach a million families who have failed to exercise their right to services tax-free childcare, worth £2,000 a year.

Boris Johnson at a nursery in his constituency in 2016 (

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