Ratio
The minimum number of staff a nursery must have for the number of children of each age
By The Toddly editorial team · Last updated 11 November 2026
The EYFS sets legal minimum staff-to-child ratios in group settings in England. For children under 2 it is one adult to three children; for 2-year-olds, one to five; for children aged 3 and over, one to eight, or one to thirteen when a teacher or other graduate-qualified practitioner works directly with the children. These are minimums: many nurseries staff more generously, especially in baby rooms. On a visit, ask what the ratios are in practice across the whole day, including lunch breaks, early mornings and late afternoons. See our guide to staff ratios.