Changes to Staff:Child Ratios in Childcare Settings Under Exceptional Circumstances

The staff:child ratio is an important aspect of childcare, as it helps to ensure that children are properly supervised and that their safety and well-being is maintained. According to section 3.31 of the Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage, changes to the staff:child ratios may be made in exceptional circumstances, as long as the quality of care and the safety and security of the children are maintained.

While Ofsted allows for changes to the staff:child ratio in exceptional circumstances, it is often unclear what constitutes an exceptional circumstance and how such changes should be implemented. In this article, we will provide an overview of when changes to the staff:child ratio may be made, what changes can be made, and how to implement a change to the ratio.

When can I make a change to the staff:child ratio?

Ofsted allows for changes to the staff:child ratio in exceptional circumstances, but it does not provide a definitive list of what constitutes exceptional circumstances. We have reached out to Ofsted for further clarification on this matter, and we will update this article with any additional information we receive. We have contacted Ofsted regarding this and we will update this article if we get any more information. Some possible examples of exceptional circumstances could include a natural disaster, a sudden illness or injury to a child or staff member, or a security threat. In general, it is best to avoid making changes to the staff:child ratio whenever possible, as the safety of the children should always be the top priority in a childcare setting.

What changes can I make to the staff:child ratio?

Ofsted does not provide any guidance on what changes can be made to the staff:child ratio, so it is important for childcare providers to carefully consider any proposed changes and ensure that the safety and well-being of the children are not compromised. In general, it is best to stick as close as possible to the stipulated ratios, as this can help to ensure that children are properly supervised and that their safety is maintained.

How do I implement a change to the staff:child ratio?

If a childcare provider decides to make a change to the staff:child ratio, it is important to carefully consider the potential risks and complete a thorough risk assessment. This can help to ensure that the safety and well-being of the children are not compromised, and it can also provide evidence that the decision was made with the best interests of the children in mind. It is also important to communicate any changes to the staff:child ratio to parents and guardians, as well as to Ofsted if required, in order to provide transparency and clarity around the decision. In general, it is best to prioritise the safety of the children in a childcare setting and avoid making changes to the staff:child ratio whenever possible.