Ratios Again

[Rea]

I've just gound out that at their last inspection playgroup were told they couldnt work to 1:5, it has to be 1:4 and 1:8. The 1:5 ratio made sense purely because with 10x 2 yr olds and 10 x3 yr olds we would need 5 staff, as soon as the 2 yr olds start to turn 3 you are paying out for staff you dont need and cant always afford.

It was the PLA who first actually said about the 1:5 ratio to them although I'd worked to it before that. How many others work to 1:5 in a church hall, obviously in a purpose built nursery the children are sectioned into their own rooms.

[Guest]

Hi Rea

 

Never heard of the 1:5 ratio at all. We have always worked to 1:4 and 1:8. We are Sessional pre school working froma church hall.

[bubblejack]

The ratios used to be 1-5 for children age 2.6 years When we were encouraged to take children of just 2 the ratio was changed for all 2 year olds.

[Inge]

dont know if this would work

but if you have 1-4 for the 10 x 2 year olds which would meant 2 spaces in this ratio which could be filled by the 2 older children leaving the other 8 1 - 8 hence

4 members of staff.

 

we used the 1-5 years ago when we took 2.9 month but this was well before ofsted (12 yrs now! showing my age!!) still work to this ratio if we can afford it allows for contingency if staff off no need to find cover!

 

Inge

Edited October 17, 2006 by Inge

[Rea]

Thanks for that. I think the chair was feeling picked on, but I'd never had Ofsted say it to me so presumed it was ok.