By Gamal Fahnbulleh, Sky News Reporter
The Government is set to announce a sweeping set of childcare reforms as it tries to reduce the burden on parents struggling to pay soaring nursery fees.
British families spend an average of 27% of their income on childcare - the second highest proportion in the world. But when it comes to the quality of care provided, the UK is said to be behind other European countries.
As part of the plans, nurseries and childminders will be allowed to look after more children.
The current ratio of one member of staff to every four two-year-olds will be increased to one carer for every six toddlers.
Nurseries will also be allowed to loosen ratios for under-twos, with one carer being allowed to look after four instead of three children.
Citing the example of France, Education Minister Elizabeth Truss will argue that easing the rules on ratios can give nurseries the "headroom to pay higher salaries".
She is expected to tell an event at the Policy Exchange think-tank: "We have learned from other countries that deliver better value and better-quality childcare.
"We have looked across Europe and beyond. The aim is not to replicate another country's approach but to learn from and apply best practice."
Ministers also want youngsters to start being taught reading and maths at a younger age to reassure parents that their children are receiving a proper education.
And in return for deregulation and higher pay, Ms Truss will insist that nursery workers have tougher academic standards, including potential carers needing at least a grade C in English and maths to begin the two-year Early Years Educator Qualification.
Ms Truss said: "We want to see more of a continuum between childcare and the education system, we want to see more teachers in early years leading high quality group settings and also more people with English and maths GCSE going into early years.
"So this is about raising the quality and making sure our young children get the absolute best."
Rachel Parangi, a mother-of-two, told Sky News: "The cost of childcare is a burden, it's like a mortgage, in fact, it's more than my mortgage - so yes it is expensive.
"It's a price you have to pay for quality childcare. When you're at work you want to know that someone is looking after your children."
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