All childcare providers must comply by their child : staff ratios as detailed on their registration certificate. 

This ratio management chart will assist in ensuring you are complying with the maximum numbers for your setting.

At a glance you will be able to see which children attend when, their ages, when any exceptions to ratios occur and whether or not you have space to take on any more children of a certain age group.

A perfect resource to refer to when you receive new enquires or are asked to provide additional care.

Four versions of the chart are provided: one for settings who offer full day places, one for split morning and afternoon sessions, one which includes weekend care and one to accommodate provision for up to four pre-school children, for example in order to provide continuity of care for young siblings or where wrap around care is to be provided for 3 and 4 year olds attending funded sessions at another setting.

Simply choose the chart most appropriate for your setting.

Completed examples also included!

Ratio Requirements

Typically childminders can care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time of whom no more than 3 are not yet attending school and of whom no more than one is under 1.

In some situations ratios may vary due to space requirements, special circumstances or where care is being provided for siblings or the childminder’s own children.

It is important that you check the relevant guidance as you may need to seek permission for an exception to ratios from Ofsted / The Care Inspectorate and in all circumstances will need to demonstrate to parents/ carers and inspectors that the individual needs of each child can be met.

In England, the Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage sets out ratio requirements.

In Scotland providers should refer to the Care Inspectorate’s Guidance on adult to child ratios in early learning and childcare settings. 

In Wales, the National Minimum Standards for regulated childcare details ratio requirements.

Please see the Further Details tab above for file format and supply information.

📢Note: This item is also included in the Ratio Variation Pack.

Everything you need to manage and plan for a Ratio Variation / Exception to Ratios, assess the risks of a variation and inform parents of a proposed change to your registration conditions.

👀Find more resources to support Setting Management HERE!

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