Ratios. A word that can make or break a well-run early years setting. Yet, despite its importance, there’s still a lingering misconception that we should be looking at ratios across the whole setting rather than ensuring they are met in each individual room. Let’s clear this up once and for all—ratios are not about averages, they are about safety, supervision, and quality care.

The Purpose of Ratios: More Than Just Numbers

The legal requirements for ratios in early years aren’t just there to make staffing rotas a challenge. They exist for a very good reason: to keep children safe and ensure they get the attention, care, and education they deserve. When ratios slip, so do standards.

We all know the statutory requirements:

• 1:3 for under-twos
• 1:5 for two-year-olds
• 1:8 (or 1:13 with a qualified teacher/level 6) for three- to five-year-olds

But these ratios don’t apply to the whole nursery as a general figure. They apply to where the children are, in real time, in their actual rooms or spaces.

Imagine a setting with 30 children and 5 staff members. That could technically meet ratios—on paper. But if all five staff are in the preschool room while the baby room is left with only one practitioner, then we have a serious issue.

Staffing must reflect where the children are, ensuring that each age group is properly supervised according to their legal requirements. This isn’t about being pedantic; it’s about safeguarding.

Beyond the Numbers: Duty of Care and Welfare

Ratios aren’t just a tick-box exercise. They link directly to our duty to provide a safe, enriching environment. Poorly managed ratios can lead to:

• Increased risk of accidents – Fewer adults mean less supervision and slower responses to incidents.
• Compromised care and interactions – Babies and young children thrive on close relationships and responsive interactions. Overstretched staff can’t meet these needs effectively.
• Staff burnout and stress – Being out of ratio makes practitioners feel like they’re constantly firefighting, leading to exhaustion and high turnover.

It’s not just about meeting the minimum legal requirement—it’s about best practice.

The Leadership Responsibility

Managers and leaders have a crucial role in ensuring ratios are upheld correctly. This means:

• Regular headcounts and checks to ensure staff are distributed correctly.
• Having a plan for breaks and cover so rooms don’t dip below their required staffing.
• Being proactive about recruitment and agency use to avoid last-minute shortfalls.
• Educating staff on why ratios matter—not just enforcing them as a rule.

Final Thoughts: Ratios Protect Everyone

They aren’t just about compliance; they protect everyone—children, staff, and settings as a whole. If something goes wrong and they aren’t met, the consequences can be severe. But more than that, getting them right means children receive the quality care they need, and staff can do their jobs effectively without feeling overwhelmed.

So, next time you hear someone say, “But we’re fine across the whole setting”, remind them—ratios don’t work like that. Every room matters, and every child deserves to be in an environment that’s safe, supportive, and properly staffed.

Written by Vanessa Dooley, Founder of Jigsaw Early Years Consultancy