§ Guide · EYFS ratios

Nursery staff-to-child ratios: a UK guide

Staff-to-child ratios are one of the most fundamental EYFS requirements - and one of the easiest to fall foul of on a busy day with staff absence. This guide sets out the current minimums in England, the qualification rules that affect them, and how to stay compliant.

The current EYFS ratios (England)

In group settings such as nurseries, the statutory minimum staff-to-child ratios are:

• Children under 2: one adult to every three children (1:3).
• Two-year-olds: one adult to every five children (1:5).
• Children aged three and over: one adult to every eight children (1:8) - or one to thirteen (1:13) where a qualified teacher, Early Years Teacher or other Level 6 practitioner is working directly with the children.

Childminders may care for up to six children under the age of eight, of whom no more than three may be young children (under five). Always confirm the current figures against the live EYFS framework, as ratios are reviewed periodically.

Qualifications and ratios

Ratios depend on who is counted. Staff must hold the relevant qualifications to count towards the ratio, and the higher 1:13 ratio for over-threes only applies when a suitably qualified Level 6 practitioner is working directly with the children. At least one person with a current paediatric first aid certificate must be on site.

Staying compliant on a busy day

The risk isn't usually the policy - it's the moment a staff member calls in sick or a room gets busy. The practical answer is to track ratios live rather than recalculate them in your head. DullDocs tracks staff-to-child ratios in real time against the EYFS minimums and alerts you before you breach them, so a tricky morning doesn't become a compliance problem.

Frequently asked questions

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