Do you all stick to the space requirements?
I will be using a playroom, kitchen and garden. From the measurements of the playroom I am allowed 4 children at any one time.
When reading through posts regarding ratios it always say 6 children under 8 ( I'm aware of the exact ratios) but do you all take into consideration the space requirements?
Tia

Ofsted will decide on your numbers depending on the space available - it's a legal requirement so we don't have a choice :thumbsup:

Thanks for your reply Sarah. Yes when ofsted was here we figured out it will be 4 at any one time. It's just I noticed most on here saying 6 all the time (which I know is the maximum) just made me think wow have I really got that little space.

At one time I was limited to 5 under 6 due to lack of space. I had a good clear out & move round and managed to create more space. Because I know it's tight, I include space requirements on my risk assessments. If it's ever queried I can show how much space I've got and how much each child needs.

Sorry am new to this,got my pre reg on Friday. What are the space requirements for children? Didnt know about this.

This is the main reason I don't set up a playroom. I use the whole of my downstairs and one of the bedrooms, I believe the kitchen and the outdoor area don't count in space, so you only have the one room. If you included your lounge you would probably be able to increase your numbers.
My space is smaller than I'd like, but large enough for the full quota of kids. That being said, I prefer to limit my number anyway, not especially happy with the 7 I have on my books right now.

Well my house is 3 stories, ground floor being kitchen, toilet and playroom (was dinning room) with patio door to the garden. the lounge is on 1st floor and did not want children climbing the stairs.

Sorry am new to this,got my pre reg on Friday. What are the space requirements for children? Didnt know about this.

If you look at the eyfs framework there is a section on space requirements and pretty much everything else you need to know.

Sorry am new to this,got my pre reg on Friday. What are the space requirements for children? Didnt know about this.

For under 5s you are required to have a usable amount of floor space. The requirements are:

- Children under 2 years - 3.5 m2 per child

- 2 - 3 years old - 2.5 m2 per child

- Children aged 3-5 years - 2.3 m2 per child

I was restricted to only 4 children and that included my own two who were under 5 at the time when I lived in a flat.

I have always had my whole house registered for cm use so I have full flexibility. Just because it is registered by Ofsted doesn't mean you have to use it all.