Childcare and nursery staff to child ratios in the UK | 2026

Childcare ratios tell you how many children one member of staff can look after in a nursery, pre-school or other childcare setting.

These rules help keep children safe and ensure they receive the care, attention and support they need.

The number of children each adult can care for depends on their age, where in the UK the childcare provider is based and, in some cases, staff qualifications.

This guide explains the minimum staff-to-child ratios for nurseries and childminders in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Why is it important to have childcare ratios?

The right childcare ratios are important because it means there are enough adults on site to be able to ensure each child’s safety. 

Nurseries and other early years settings must ensure children are adequately supervised, and that their needs can be met. This means children must be within sight and hearing of staff. This is where adult to child ratios for working with children come in.

They set the minimum standard for what parents and guardians should expect when they leave their child in someone else’s hands.

Are childcare ratios the same across the UK?

Each country in the UK has its own statutory guidance regarding adult to child ratios in nurseries, pre-schools and other types of childcare provision, such as childminding.

The staff ratios tell you the minimum number of adults required when providing care for children of a certain age.

• The age of the child will determine how many adults need to be present

• The adult to child ratios also depend on the level of qualification held by staff.

Below are the minimum childcare and nursery staff child ratios for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Early years providers may have higher staff to child ratios than the minimum requirements.

It is important to note that staff to child ratios may vary depending on the needs of the children. For example if they have Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND), the layout of the premises or other circumstances that support the best outcomes for children.

What is the childcare ratio in England?

Nurseries, nursery schools and pre-schools

Under 2s

• One adult for every three children (1:3)

Two-year-olds

• One adult for every five children (1:5)

Children aged three and over where a member of staff with approved level 6 qualification is working directly with the children:

• One adult for every 13 children (1:13)

Children aged three and over where a member of staff with approved level 6 qualification is not working directly with the children:

• One adult for every eight children (1:8)

Three-year-olds in independent schools (including in nursery classes in free schools and academies) where a member of staff with approved level 6 qualification is working directly with the children:

• One adult for every 30 children (1:30) in classes where the majority of children will reach the age of five or older within the school year
• One adult for every 13 children (1:13) for all other classes

Children aged three in independent schools (including in nursery classes in free schools and academies) where a member of staff with approved level 6 qualification is not working directly with the children:

• One adult for every eight children (1:8)

Childminders

In all circumstances, a childminder in England may only care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight at any one time (1:6).

• Of these six children, a maximum of three may be young children (up until 1 September following their fifth birthday). Under new legislation introduced in September 2023, childminders are allowed to care for more than three young children if they are the siblings of children they already care for or the childminder’s own child
• There should be only one child under the age of one

What is the childcare ratio for Wales?

Nurseries, nursery schools and pre-schools

Under 2s:

• One adult for every three children (1:3)

Two-year-olds:

• One adult for every four children (1:4)

Children aged three to seven:

• One adult for every eight children (1:8)

Children aged eight to 12 years:

• One adult for every 10 children (1:10)

Childminders

In Wales, a childminder can look after a maximum of 10 children aged 12 or under at any one time.

Within this limit:

• Under eight: No more than six children can be under eight years old.
• Under five: No more than four children can be under five years old.
• Under two: No more than three children can be under two years old.

What is the childcare ratio in Scotland?

Nurseries, nursery schools and pre-schools

Under 2s:

• One adult for every three children (1:3)

Two-year-olds:

• One adult for every five children (1:5)

Children aged three to eight:

• One adult for every eight children (1:8)
• In settings where children attend for fewer than four hours in any one day, the adult to child ratio can be one adult for every 10 children (1:10)

Children aged eight and over:

• One adult for every 10 children (1:10)

Childminders

A childminder in Scotland may normally care for a maximum of eight children under the age of 16 at any one time.

• Of those eight children, no more than six children may be under 12 years of age
• No more than three children may be under primary school age
• No more than one child may be under one year old

The maximum number of children cared for at any one time includes the childminder’s own children or family members whether they are present in the service or not.

What is the childcare ratio in Northern Ireland?

Nurseries, nursery schools and pre-schools

Under 2s:

• One adult for every three children (1:3)

Two-year-olds:

• One adult for every four children (1:4)

Children aged three to 12:

• One adult for every eight children (1:8)

Childminders

A childminder in Northern Ireland may care for up to six children under the age of 12, including their own children.

• Of these six children, no more than three may be under compulsory school age
• Normally no more than one child may be under one year old

Further reading on childcare standards in the UK

To learn more about other minimum standards in childcare provision across the UK, such as requirements for staff qualifications and learning, follow the links below.

• National standards for early learning and childcare in England
• National standards for early learning and childcare in Wales
• National standards for early learning and childcare in Scotland
• National standards for early learning and childcare in Northern Ireland

What should parents ask nurseries about staffing ratios?

When visiting a nursery, it’s worth asking how many children each member of staff looks after and how the nursery makes sure there are enough adults throughout the day.

You could also ask how staff supervise children during meals, outdoor play and rest times, and what happens when someone is off sick.

The legal ratios are minimum requirements, so a nursery may have more staff available depending on the children’s needs.