Adult–Child Ratios in Irish Crèches Explained
Ratios decide how many staff you need on the floor at all times, and they’re one of the first things a Tusla inspector checks. Here are the legal adult–child ratios for Irish crèches, how to work out your staffing, and how to stay in ratio when someone is off.
The ratios for full day and part-time care
Under Schedule 6 of the 2016 Regulations, full day care and part-time day care services use the same ratios:
| Age of children | Adults : children |
|---|---|
| 0 to 1 year | 1 : 3 |
| 1 to 2 years | 1 : 5 |
| 2 to 3 years | 1 : 6 |
| 3 to 6 years | 1 : 8 |
The ratios for sessional preschool services
Sessional services, such as ECCE preschool sessions, use different age bands:
| Age of children | Adults : children |
|---|---|
| 0 to 1 year | 1 : 3 |
| 1 to 2½ years | 1 : 5 |
| 2½ to 6 years | 1 : 11 |
School age childcare services are registered and regulated separately, so check the school age services regulations for those rooms.
How to work out how many staff you need
Divide the number of children in each room by the ratio for their age, and always round up. For example:
- A baby room with 9 children under 1 needs 3 adults (9 ÷ 3)
- A toddler room with 12 children aged 1 to 2 needs 3 adults (12 ÷ 5 = 2.4, rounded up)
- A preschool room with 20 children aged 3 to 6 needs 3 adults (20 ÷ 8 = 2.5, rounded up)
That’s the minimum on the floor at any one time. It doesn’t include the manager when they’re in the office, or cover for breaks.
Staying in ratio through breaks, leave and sick days
Most ratio breaches happen when someone is unexpectedly off. Plan for it:
- Stagger breaks so every room stays in ratio
- Keep a list of qualified relief staff you can call at short notice
- Plan annual leave and maternity cover well in advance
- Make sure anyone counted in ratio holds at least a Level 5 major award (see our guide to minimum qualifications)
When you’re short-staffed
If you can’t stay in ratio, you may have to reduce numbers or close a room until cover is in place. Many Irish crèches have had to do this. The best protection is a bigger pool of qualified candidates before you need them.
Find qualified staff before you need them
On Crèche Staff you can browse approved candidates holding Level 5 to Level 8 qualifications, including candidates looking for full-time, part-time and relief work. Post your vacancy in minutes, or read more about how to hire childcare staff with Crèche Staff.