Room space requirements in nursery

[Victoria Tutcher]

Hi,

we are a nursery attached a school. Our headteacher is trying to force us to have more children than the room space allows for. Our room is big enough for 16 children but he wants us to go over that. I have made him aware many times of the EYFS statutory framework and what it says but I am getting nowhere. 
Any advice that anyone can give would be very welcome please.

[BenTapestrySupport]

Hi,

Thank you for your question. 

The EYFS Statutory Framework states: 

Quote

3.58.The premises and equipment must be organised in a way that meets the needs of children. Providers must meet the following indoor space requirements where indoor activity in a building(s) forms the main part of (or is integral) to the provision:

• Children under two years: 3.5 m2 per child

• Two year olds: 2.5 m2 per child

• Children aged three to five years: 2.3 m2 per child

 

As this is statutory, they would be on fairly dodgy grounds to go beyond this, and it would be something checked by Ofsted for certain, and could trigger a visit. 

I hope that you are able to get them to listen and not push it beyond the limits.