Suggestions being made are when nurseries have spare staff they could offer an ironing service for parents, clean during sessions, saving nurseries having to employ a cleaner and reducing staff to adult ratio when children are on holiday. 

Other suggestions are:

  • Selling takeaway meals to families
  • Paying staff the same pay scale regardless of their qualifications
  • Asking staff to work voluntarily for a term until things pick up.

The suggestion that staff could iron for families has caused a debate between many people, some arguing that it is an insult as many practitioners chose a career in childcare to work with children not iron clothes. Providing high-quality childcare is a top priority for all childcare providers.

What are your views on this topic?