Nursery Ratio Calculator
(Work out your Nursery Staff Ratio)
Use this simple nursery ratio calculator to work out the minimum number of staff you need (as per OFSTED regulations) for the number of children in your care.
Nursery Ratio’s Calculator
Enter Number of Children
How to use the Nursery Ratio Calculator
Just enter the total number of under 2s, 2-3 and 3-5 year olds you have whether any staff hold a level 6 qualification (allowing you to work with 3-5 year olds at a higher ratio) and let the calculator work out the Staffing Ratio.
If you have a member of staff who can work to a higher ratio (as they are level 6), only include them if they are working directly with the 3 to 5 year olds.
This is for use in all types of nurseries/ pre-schools or childcare on domestic premises that operate in England.
Many nurseries (mine included) and managers have been screaming for a simple nursery ratio calculator for ages. It is a hot topic on most childcare forums.
Put the nursery ratio calculator to the test.
You no longer have to spend ages working out whether you are in ratio or not. Or how many staff you will need to cover the day. Just save/ bookmark this page and use it whenever need.
*only add staff members to the level 6 ratio if they have an approved level 6 qualification which enables them to work at a higher ratio of 1:13 and will be working with at least one member of staff that holds an approved level 3 qualification. Check OFSTED’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework for further guidance on this.
Nursery Best Practice
Please note that this is a whole building ratio.
The ratios used for this staff nursery ratio calculator are as follows:
- 1:3 for under 2s (section 3.32 EYFS statutory framework)
- 1:5 for 2 year olds (section 3.33 EYFS Statutory Framework)
- 1:8 for 3 year olds (section 3.35 EYFS Statutory Framework)
- 1:13 for 3 year olds cared for by a staff member holding an approved level 6 qualification (section 3.34 EYFS Statutory Framework)
This calculator can be used for mixed age settings. Ofsted requirements state that there should ‘be a separate baby room for children under the age of two’ (section 3.60 EYFS Statutory Framework). Under 2s can mix for periods of the day.
Although, the nursery staff ratio’s apply for the whole building, it is best practice to separate the under 2s, due to the requirement for them to have their own separate room if you are planning nursery ratios for the whole day.
Know someone who would find this calculator useful?
Nursery Ratio’s Calculator
Enter Number of Children
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