Nursery owners are seeking clarification on the operation of the 1:13 adult:child ratio, which is being introduced with the Early Years Foundation Stage in September. They are warning that it could prove unsafe and unworkable.
The ratio for three- to five-year-olds, which applies to all EYFS settings between 8am and 4pm when a graduate leader is working with the children, has recently been relaxed for maintained schools.
The staffing level will not have to be adjusted when the teacher is temporarily not in the same room as the children, according to new guidance from the Department for Children, Schools and Families. Whether Ofsted inspectors will allow staff in PVI settings the same leeway is another matter.
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