Ratio Question

[ACubed]

Hi All - I work at a nursery so really should know this, but I'm still a little confused as to ratios - do they apply to staff working with children, but allow for someone to answer the door / use the toilet (but not lunch breaks), or is it the case that if someone leaves the room for less than a minute and the room is then out of ratio, that that is breaking the law?
I've found the EYFS a little vague.

[Jenijena]

Following this with interest. Whilst I'm sure there's enough staff employed, there were three staff for 11 children in my son's under 2s room today. The last member of staff was on lunch, I believe, but it never seems to be at full complement. Nappy changing and food prep is visible from the main room so it's quite obvious if they're not 'there'.

[Oneiroi]

That's a good point I had not considered, with DS starting nursery in the summer. Surely the minimum ratio should be met at all times by definition, but I bet it isn't!

[insancerre]

The ratio applies to the whole building, not individual rooms
So, yes, people can go to the toilet and answer the door without it affecting ratios
Staff on lunch are not normally included in ratio but can be if they are being paid and they stay on the the premises

[ACubed]

Ah thanks Insancerre that makes sense

[insancerre]

No worries :)
I am a nursery manager so ratios is something I am very confident about as I have to record them every hour as well as writing a rota every week that details staff and child numbers
I also know ofsted have clarified this at their OFSTED Big Conversations they have had in all areas of the country
To put parents mind at ease, In my nursery, I am not included in ratio so I am available to cover in an emergency. We also aim to always have one adult above the minimum ratio every day, to cover sick days or holidays. Plus my apprentice is not included in my ratios
I also have an Early years teacher so I could if I wanted apply a 1-13 ratio instead of the normal 1-8 for the 3+ age
So, its not as simple as there being X amount of children per staff member in a room
Plus the EYFS does say children must be in sight or sound, and always within sound.