To think it’s a bit cheeky to expect my qualification to count towards ratios?

[Elber]

I work in childcare, and I’ve taken a just above minimum wage role so I can work around family life. No qualification was needed for the role (others don’t have one), but my qualification means I’m allowed ratios with a high number of children. I’m not reimbursed for this, I’m paid the same as everyone else in the role. My qualification is being used now so that less adults are needed - but then surely that means I have the extra responsibility when I’m not actually being paid for my qualification?

You would think so, but a lot of early years settings don't really pay commensurate with qualifications. Is the setting regularly using you as 1:13 or just in emergency? If it's regularly it's pretty bad practice even though it's technically permitted. You could definitely ask about a pay increase if they're using the ratio regularly but be prepared to get a no in response.

Oh wow! I bet they bit your hand off to hire you!

It is very unfair, I would want to be fairly compsated for more responsibility. Have you mentioned this to your line manager?

Thanks @iLovee and @thanksamillion

My concern is that if an accident happened, and say the number of staff on duty at the time was investigated : it would be - Elber is 1:13. Therefore I should ‘know’ and be responsible. I currently don’t know, and I don’t think their ratios are correct because there are sometimes 70 preschool children with one 1 qualified (paid for qualification, 3 unqualified, and me (qualified but not paid for being qualified).

They get round this situation by saying qualified staff are around (if not on duty), but they are not really in ear shot or sight of the children : and are difficult to alert if a situation happens.

you actually need to look at what your contract says and discuss with someone...do you have any HR support? you would have a very good basis for asking for an increase in pay because they are using you over and above your contracted role. if you have the same job description and pay as others then you should all be doing the same role.