Staff-to-child ratios in UK early years settings
2 min read Last reviewed October 2026 Checked against official guidance
Ratios set the minimum number of adults needed to care safely for a group of children. They're one of the clearest signals of how much attention your child will get.
1:3
Under 2s (England)
1:5
2-year-olds (England)
1:8 or 1:13
3 and over, depending on staff qualifications
In this guide
1
Minimum ratios in England
Under the EYFS statutory framework, group settings must meet these minimums:
- Under 2s: 1 adult to 3 children
- 2-year-olds: 1 adult to 5 children
- 3 years and over: 1 adult to 8 children (or 1:13 with a qualified teacher leading)
- Childminders: usually up to 6 children under 8, with no more than 3 under-5s
2
Why ratios matter
Better ratios mean more one-to-one interaction, quicker responses to children's needs and calmer rooms. Babies in particular need responsive adults to build secure attachments.
3
Questions to ask
- What ratios do you actually run in each room?
- How do you cover lunch breaks and staff absence?
- How many staff hold a full and relevant qualification?
- Do you use agency staff, and how often?
Minimum staff-to-child ratios in England
| Child's age | Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 2 | 1:3 | At least half of staff must hold a Level 2 qualification |
| 2 years | 1:5 | Changed from 1:4 in September 2023 |
| 3 and over | 1:8 | Where no teacher-qualified staff member is working directly with the children |
| 3 and over | 1:13 | Where a qualified teacher or early years professional leads the session |
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set their own ratios. These are minimums, so many settings staff above them.