My certificate reads

•when working with an assistant, may care for no more than 6 children under 8 years; of these, not more than 5 may be in the early years age group, and of these, not more than 3 may be under 1 year at any one time (Early Years Register)

so does this mean I can have 5 0-5 year olds and 1 5-8 year old? :confused:

Thats the way I read it
5 in early years but
no more than 3 under 1
1 school age
when with assistant

you could have all 6 in 5-8 range if you had no younger ones.
up to 3 under 1 ; up to 5 under 5 includes those 3 ; up to 6 under 8s includes those 5.
not sure whether ive made it any clearer or more confusing!!