Showcase Magazine Winter 2026 - Flipbook - Page 20
EARLY YEARS
What are the current ratio
requirements? (September 2025)
Children under 2 years
1 staff member for every 3 children.
At least 1 staff member must hold an approved
Level 3 qualification or have experience-based
route approval for working with under-2s.
At least half of other staff must hold an approved
Level 2 qualification.
At least half of all staff must have training
specifically on baby care.
Staff in charge of an under-2 room must have
suitable experience with under-2s.
Children aged 2 years
RATIOS IN
EARLY YEARS
What are ratios?
In early years, ratios refer to the required number of
responsible adults to children. The ratios for early
years settings are set out under the Early Years
Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
The EYFS sets out clear guidance on how many
adults must be present depending on the age of
the children and the type of setting. It also sets
expectations for staff qualifications to make sure
that not only are there enough adults, but that
they’re appropriately trained and experienced.
Why are they important?
Ratios ensure that children receive adequate
supervision, care, and attention. Maintaining the
correct ratios means there are enough adults on
site to be able to ensure the children’s safety.
Higher staff-to-child ratios ensure that more adults
are available to engage with each child, supporting
their developmental needs and promoting positive,
nurturing relationships. It is vital that every
individual who works in early years is aware of the
current ratio requirements.
1 staff member for every 5 children.
At least 1 staff member must hold an approved
Level 3 qualification or have experience-based
route approval.
At least half of other staff must hold an approved
Level 2 qualification.
Children aged 3 and over (registered
early years provision)
If a person with Qualified Teacher Status, Early Years
Professional Status or Early Years Teacher Status is
working directly with children:
1 staff member for every 13 children.
At least 1 other staff member must hold Level 3
qualification or experience-based route approval.
At least half of other staff must hold Level 2
qualification.
If a person with Qualified Teacher Status, Early Years
Professional Status or Early Years Teacher Status is not
working directly with children:
1 staff member for every 8 children.
At least 1 staff member must hold Level 3
qualification or experience-based route approval.
At least half of other staff must hold Level 2
qualification.
For the full and detailed list of staff-to-child ratio
requirements, please refer to the Statutory Framework
for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
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Showcase Training 20
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