Shannon Leslie Byrne Tranning Blog
Tranning Blog on The Derpartment of education Ratios and standands
Educator ratios must be maintained at all times when a service is operating, including during transportation. These requirements apply to all service locations. Key points include:
Staff Ratios:
Under 18 educators must be supervised by those over 18.
Educators must be directly engaged with children to count in ratios.
Breaks and administrative tasks exclude educators from ratios.
Ratios for centre-based services:
Birth to 24 months: 1:4
24 to 36 months: 1:5
36 months and over: 1:10 (NSW)
Over preschool age: 1:15
Mixed age groups must meet the youngest child's ratio.
More on educator-to-child ratios
Supervision:
Children must be adequately supervised at all times.
Premises must facilitate supervision.
Considerations for supervision include children’s age, activities, and environment risks.
Sleeping children must be visible and audible.
Transitions between activities require careful supervision.
Regulatory changes (as of October 2023) require policies for safe transitions between services to prevent missing children.
Volunteers:
Can count in ratios; no qualifications needed in NSW.
Must comply with child protection laws.
Services must have policies for volunteer involvement.