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Original poster

Staff Ration - Amount of children (Playschool)

11 replies

Claire2009 · 14/05/2009 19:52

Dd & Ds are both at Playschool (dd is 3.2yo and ds 2.1yo)

Is there a ratio per staff member? I went in with ds today due to him being grumpy & realised there were 2 staff members (one reading a book to the children and one bimbling about ) to 12-15 children?!

Is that right? The most staff I've seen there are 3-4 at one time, they have around 18-20 children there per session but today's was quieter than usual...

I arrived 5 mins early to collecting and was noseying at dd & ds, another book reading time but ds was at the back of the lady reading, 5-6 ft away on his own taking his shoes & socks off...basically being left to his own devices...

Considering taking them out & finding a better Playschool tbh..

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Original poster
Claire2009 · 14/05/2009 19:53

Oops! Title is meant "Staff Ratio" not ration

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lou031205 · 14/05/2009 20:37

The ratios are: under 2s 1:3; 2s 1:4; 3&over 1:8.

Unless there is a teacher (level 6), when the ratio drops to 1:13

SimpleAsABC · 14/05/2009 20:40

Is a play school the same as a nursery?

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nickytwotimes · 14/05/2009 20:42

Claire, this is the reason I took ds out of playschool - only 2 staff members for 20 kids. There were 2 mum helpers too, but not good enough imo.

KatyMac · 14/05/2009 20:44

Under EYFS all Early Years Settings have the same ratios (apart from childminders who are 1:3)

Original poster
Claire2009 · 14/05/2009 20:45

Nope not good enough imo either. In the other Playschool there are 1 staff member per 2 children which is much much better imo!!!

Will have a word ( and if no improvement/lack of interest take them out) didn't know Mum's could help? I'd be happy to do that...

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nickytwotimes · 14/05/2009 20:47

Yes, some of our mum helpers are fab, but a few of them are rubbish and don't bother their bums!

Original poster
Claire2009 · 14/05/2009 20:49

I wonder if I could be a Mum helper....even as an occassional thing (not every session)

Will def be asking, just feel ds is being ignored, he's been there a month now. Dd on the other hand has been there 9mths and doing fantastic so they must be doing something right!

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UniS · 15/05/2009 20:11

round here no preschool will take a 2.1 with out their mum staying with them EVERY session. a few will take them un accompanied at 2.6, most won't till they are 3.
then its either 1:13 if its school nursery class or 1:8 or better at community preschools. The one we use for DS do 1:6 +1 so for 24 kids they would have 5 adults in the building. But one of those adults may not be working directly with children- ie doing office work.
At story time it seems to be 1 adult doing reading, one sitting with children, the others tidying up ( maybe in play ground) or preparing the room for lunch club.

UniS · 15/05/2009 20:13

do offer to do mum helper if you can, its fun and a good way to find out what they get up to. Some of our mum helpers have gone on to join staff and/or work for childcare qualifications.

Original poster
Claire2009 · 15/05/2009 21:06

Thanks

I looked at the "Tree" today, big brightly coloured tree with 4 Groups of 10 children per group in it with 1 member of staff.

I'm going to ask on Mon, they are looking for 2 Part/time staff members but I have no childcare qualifications at all to even apply for that. I'd be happy just helping too

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