Childcare and nursery staff to child ratios in the UK | 2025

Key points

Why ratios matter: They make sure there are enough adults to keep children safe and cared for.

Different rules: Each part of the UK (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland) has its own rules.

England: 1 adult for 3 babies, 1 for 5 toddlers, and 1 for 8–13 older children, depending on staff training.

Other UK nations: Wales: 1 adult for 3 under-twos, 1 for up to 10 older kids. Scotland: 1 adult for 3 babies, 1 for 8–10 older kids. Northern Ireland: 1 adult for 3 babies, 1 for 8 older kids.

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. For this staff to child ratio UK is key. 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

A childminder in Wales may only care for a maximum of 10 children up to 12 years of age at any one time.

• Of those 10 children, no more than six may be under eight years of age
• Of those six children, no more than three may be under five years
• Of those three, normally no more than two may be under 18 months

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