What is the difference between adult:child ratios between nursery and early years provision?
The requirements for adult:child ratios relate primarily to the ages of the children and who is running the provision. If the provision is being run directly by a school governing body, for three and four year olds, then it falls to be considered under the arrangements for children aged three and over in maintained schools’ (unless it is a reception class). This means that it must be led by a school teacher with a ratio of 1:13, who must be present with the children except during non-contact time such as breaks. Provided the provision is being made by the school and benefits from the exemption from registration, it is subject to the school teacher requirement, except if the provision is a reception class, which is governed by the infant class legislation. School provision for under 3s, which has to be registered, is subject to 1:8 staff to child ratio. At least one member of staff must be qualified at level 3 and at least half of all other staff must be qualified at level 2.
