All early years providers working with children from birth to 5 years old must follow the regulations on early years foundation stage (EYFSEYFSThe early years foundation stage (EYFS) sets standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old. All schools and Ofsted-registered early years providers must follow the EYFS, including childminders, preschools, nurseries and school reception classes.) staff to child ratios. This is the number of qualified staff, at different qualification levels, an early years setting needs to have in order to meet the needs of all children and ensure their safety. These regulations are set out in the early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework.

Providers must make sure staff have the appropriate qualifications to count in the ratios, including the need to have at least one staff member trained in paediatric first aid.

All pre-schools and day nurseries must have a Manager qualified to at least Level 3 in Childcare or Early Years and half of all other must hold at least an approved Level 2 qualification.  Staff are required to continue training and updating their knowledge on a regular basis.

Managers appointed on or after 1 January 2024 must have already achieved a suitable level 2 qualification in maths or must do so within two years of starting in the position and are responsible for ensuring staff have the right level of maths knowledge to effectively deliver the EYFSEYFSThe early years foundation stage (EYFS) sets standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old. All schools and Ofsted-registered early years providers must follow the EYFS, including childminders, preschools, nurseries and school reception classes. curriculum. Managers are expected to have at least two years’ experience of working in an early years setting, or have at least two years’ other suitable experience.

All Childcare provider staff are checked to ensure they are suitable to look after children. This includes a DBS Check, for past offences and a health check.