Quick reference — statutory child to staff ratios
How qualifications count in ratio
Your rooms
Whole-provision planning view
This is a planning aid, not a room-by-room compliance verdict. EYFS paragraph 3.47 says the ratio requirements apply to the total number of staff available to work directly with children across the whole provision, not just each room. You must still confirm:
- Qualifications are genuine and full & relevant. The tool trusts the level you select. Verify each certificate at onboarding using the government's Check an Early Years Qualification service.
- Students, apprentices and long-term volunteers. Under EYFS paragraph 3.57, eligible students, long-term volunteers and apprentices may count at the level below their study only where the provider is satisfied they are suitable, competent and responsible and they hold a valid and current paediatric first aid qualification. This tool does not make that judgement for you.
- Baby-care training and room-leader experience. In under-2s rooms, at least half of staff must be trained in the care of babies and the room leader must have suitable experience with under-2s.
- Breaks and deployment are covered. Staffing arrangements must continue to meet children's needs, safety, supervision and the whole-provision ratio and qualification requirements throughout the session.
- Experience-based route. EBR status is provider-specific rather than a qualification and is not automatically transferable. No more than 50% of staff counting at Level 3 may do so through EBR status at any one time. Check the current DfE guidance.
- Valid, current PFA certificates. Anyone counted who relies on PFA must hold a current certificate.
Can unqualified staff count in EYFS ratios in 2026?
The number of adults available to work directly with children and the qualifications needed within those staffing arrangements are related but different questions. Being unqualified does not make someone an approved Level 2 or Level 3 practitioner. The rules also contain specific conditions for eligible students, apprentices and practitioners using the experience-based route.
Whether someone may be included in a particular setting's arrangements depends on the current statutory framework, the children's ages, the team's qualification mix and the individual's circumstances. This planner cannot determine whether an individual is eligible to be counted. Check the current EYFS framework for England and DfE qualification requirements before relying on the result.
Need to understand what staffing is costing your nursery?
Once you have checked safety, supervision and regulatory requirements, you can examine the commercial side of deployment. If staffing cost, room occupancy or session patterns are creating a defined business question, explore the £225 Single-Issue Business Review or read the nursery staffing cost guide. These are commercial support routes, not regulatory compliance certification.