Isle of Man nursery proposals 'to improve quality'
The Isle of Man government has proposed a new set of guidelines aimed at "improving the quality" of child care on the island.
The closer scrutiny comes after the introduction of new legislation- the Regulation of Care Act 2013.
The proposals, the subject of a public consultation, will impact staffing levels and required qualifications.
Social Care Minister Howard Quayle said he is looking for feedback on the proposals from both carers and parents.
He added: "These standards are aimed at improving the quality of care and safety of our children when they attend day care centres."
Under the new proposals, minimum staffing levels would increase (for children under two-years-old) from one carer to every four children, to one carer for every three children.
For children between the ages of two and seven, the ratio would remain at 1:8.
The new regulations would also require nursery staff to hold, or be working towards, official child development qualifications.
"Inspections undertaken by my department will use these standards to raise the quality of care provided in child day care services and to assist professionals in the delivery of care," said Mr Quayle.