Gezabel Posted January 21, 2005 Share Posted January 21, 2005 This may sound a really silly question but it's bugging me so hope someone can help me out! I am aware that the staff:child ratio in pre school settings is 1:4 for under 3's and 1:8 for the older ones. So if you have 16 children of which 4 are under the age of three I presume you need one member of staff for them and two others for the remaining 12 children ? I have come across another persons interpretation of the figures as being 16 children of which no more than four are under 3yrs only requires 2 members of staff? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rea Posted January 21, 2005 Share Posted January 21, 2005 The way I understand it Geraldine is that if you have 4 under 3's you need 1 adult, if you have 3 under 3's you can include a 3 or 4 yr old still with 1 adult, but if you have 5 under 3's you can not include the extra under 3 within the 3/4 ratio, you would still need another adult. In other words 3&4's can be inclusded in the U3's ratio but not the other way round. Hope thats as clear as mud Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol Posted January 22, 2005 Share Posted January 22, 2005 Well said Rea Thats how I understand it is well. Carol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hali Posted January 22, 2005 Share Posted January 22, 2005 And me Rea Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 22, 2005 Share Posted January 22, 2005 Sorry could I just put what Rea said round another way so I can see if I understand correctly!! The 2-3 year old ratio is 4 children to one member of staff. If you have three 3 year olds that means that the member of staff is 1 child 'down' so they could look after a 4 or 5 year old too. However, it doesn't work the other way - i.e if the member of staff looking after 4 year olds (Ratio 1:8) only had 7 children you can't add in a 3 year old. Is that what you are saying? Like Geraldine I find the interpretation of the ratios confusing!! Our company policy is that you never mix age groups but it seems others do!! Help!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rea Posted January 22, 2005 Share Posted January 22, 2005 You've explained that better than I did Orange, but yes thats about it. We have to mix as we're in one room, I personnaly think the children have greater benefits than by not mixing although I know the majority of nursery's dont do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hali Posted January 22, 2005 Share Posted January 22, 2005 We mix too Rea i think it works really well.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gezabel Posted January 22, 2005 Author Share Posted January 22, 2005 Thanks for your replies and think I have got it! So 16 children and 2 under 3yrs would mean i member of staff for the two tinies plus 2 older ones that leaves 12 children so we would still need two more staff?? This is the ongoing debate - I am told its only 2 and I think thats wrong as it sounds as though they are mixing 'the wrong way round'? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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