Opinion: Should the “Under the Roof” Staffing Loophole Be Closed?

The “under the roof” rule allows childcare centres to meet staffing ratios by counting all educators on-site, regardless of whether they are physically present in rooms with children. This means a centre may appear compliant on paper, even if individual rooms are understaffed.While originally intended to offer flexibility, educators say it’s now being used to cut corners—leaving children without adequate supervision and educators stretched beyond capacity.

Real-World Impact

Educators across the country are sounding the alarm:

“I’m often left alone with more children than I can safely supervise.”
“We’re constantly pulled out of rooms to cover breaks or admin, but still counted in ratios.”
“It’s not just stressful—it’s dangerous.”

This loophole is particularly concerning in light of recent high-profile safety breaches in the sector. When educators are spread thin, the risk of accidents, neglect, and even abuse increases.

Why It Matters

Early childhood is a critical period—90% of brain development happens before age five. Children need consistent, responsive care from trusted adults. When rooms are understaffed, children miss out on:

Emotional support and secure attachments
Developmentally appropriate learning experiences
Safe, supervised environments

Time for Reform

The call to action is clear: Close the loophole.

Educators, families, and advocates are urging policymakers to:

Mandate room-based ratio compliance
Increase funding to support adequate staffing
Enforce transparency and accountability in reporting

Federal Minister Jess Walsh has acknowledged the issue, calling the findings “very concerning.” But words must be followed by action.