EYFS staffing ratio and qualification requirements

Get to grips with the staffing ratio and qualification requirements in early years settings, and download our summary of the rules.

Last reviewed on 19 January 2026See updates
School types: AllSchool phases: Nursery, PrimaryRef: 1267
Contents
  1. Staffing requirements
  2. Definitions
  3. Additional information
  4. Download our summaries

The latest statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation stage (EYFS) came into effect on 1 September 2025

There were some changes to your requirements around staffing ratios.

All previous updates to the EYFS statutory framework are explained in more detail in the relevant sections of the article.

Updates to the statutory framework  Applying from 1 September 2025: Staff who have attained experience-based route status, who have received approval from the provider and hold a paediatric first aid qualification, may be included in staff ratios in place of someone with an approved level 3 qualification Students, volunteers and apprentices must hold a current paediatric first aid qualification to be included in staffing ratios (in addition to being suitable, competent and responsible) Applying from 1 November 2024: Clarification of the level 6 qualification requirements for calculating staffing ratios Applying from 16 October 2024: Level 6 trainees who are deemed ‘competent and responsible’ can now be brought into level