Beyond Ratios: Why Room Size Per Child Deserves Urgent Reform

In the ongoing discourse around quality early childhood education, educator-to-child ratios often dominate the conversation. While ratios are undeniably important for supervision and safety, a critical yet under-addressed factor is the physical space allocated to each child. The reality is stark: even with ideal ratios, overcrowded rooms can undermine well-being, learning outcomes, and emotional safety.

The Legal Minimums: What the Regulations Say

Under the Education and Care Services National Regulations, which apply across all Australian states and territories, approved services must provide:

3.25 m² of unencumbered indoor space per child (Regulation 107)
7.0 m² of unencumbered outdoor space per child (Regulation 108)

These figures exclude kitchens, bathrooms, passageways, and storage areas. “Unencumbered” means usable space—free from bulky furniture, fixed equipment, or obstructions.

What This Looks Like in Practice

Group Size	Indoor Space Required	Outdoor Space Required
4 children	13.0 m²	28.0 m²
10 children	32.5 m²	70.0 m²
15 children	48.75 m²	105.0 m²
20 children	65.0 m²	140.0 m²
25 children	81.25 m²	175.0 m²

These are minimums, not ideals. Yet many services—especially in high-demand urban areas or underfunded regional settings—struggle to meet even these baselines due to architectural constraints, funding gaps, or outdated designs.

Age-Based Needs: Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All

While the regulations apply uniformly, developmental needs vary dramatically by age group. Here’s how space impacts different ages and stages:

Infants (0–2 years)

Need quiet zones, soft flooring, and space for crawling and tummy time
Require low stimulation environments and adult proximity
Thrive in small group sizes with sensory-friendly layouts

Toddlers (2–3 years)

Need movement zones for gross motor play and emotional regulation
Benefit from visual boundaries, flexible furniture, and parallel play areas
Require space to explore autonomy while feeling safe

Preschoolers (3–5 years)

Need defined learning areas (e.g., dramatic play, construction, literacy)
Benefit from group collaboration zones and quiet reflection corners
Require outdoor environments that support risky play, inquiry, and independence

Mixed-age rooms must be especially mindful of layout, transitions, and supervision to meet these diverse needs.

Ratios Without Room: A False Sense of Safety

A room with 20 children and 4 educators may meet ratio requirements, but if the space is only 50 m², it fails both the legal and ethical tests. Overcrowding leads to:

Higher noise levels and sensory overload
Emotional dysregulation and behavioural challenges
Restricted movement and reduced autonomy
Elevated risks of injury, illness, and educator burnout

Educators report feeling physically boxed in, unable to implement play-based learning or respond to children’s cues with flexibility. Children, in turn, may struggle to regulate, connect, or feel safe.

In early childhood education, space is more than a measurement—it’s a message. It tells children whether they are welcome to move, express, and belong. It tells educators whether they are trusted to teach with intention.

Let’s move beyond ratios. Let’s legislate dignity. Let’s make room—for every child, every educator, and every moment that matters.