English preschool - mixed age class 2 half to 4 yrs. How do you work out ratios?

Question

OFSTED said"The ratios must be adhered to for each age group regardless of whether the ages are mixed".

Does this mean then the ratio has to be 1:4 for the whole class? or does it mean you use 1;4 ratio for all those under 3 and 1:8 for those over 3 yrs ?

What happens if eg 17 children, 4 under 3yrs and 13 over 3yrs. One adult for under 3yrs, 2 adults for over 3yrs if another under 3yrs is taken on then one adult has to have under and over 3yrs . Do they use the 1:4 ratio as they have an under 3yr old? Sorry hope I have not confused you all! Thanks.

Answer 1

For the four 2 year olds you need 1 member of staff. 1:4

For the thirteen 3 year olds you need 2 members of staff. 1:8

If you take another under 2 year old you would need an extra member of staff. As the ratio would apply mainly to the younder children.

i.e if you have a 3 year old and two 2 year olds the ration would be 1:4

Answer 2

yes you can mix the ratios for each age group,, so 1:8 for over 3's and 1:4 for under threes, so if you have 16 over three and 8 under three , you need 4 staff

Answer 3

You follow the ratio guidelines for the youngest child in the class. So, if you have at least one 2 1/2 year old, you follow the ratio for 1:4 for the entire class.

Answer 4

You are right in you split it up. You would be out of business in no time if you continued to do the low ratio for the older kids. You do the right ratios for each age group regardless if you are under 1 child or over by 1 child.

Answer 5

You need to use the lowest ratio possible.  (Going by the youngest child.) 17 kids with some 2's would mean 5 teachers-that's how it is in VT anyway.  Sounds like a lot of kids in one room.  I would call the state licensing agency to make sure.