Aussie Childcare Network Forum

hi all,
can someone tell me if this sounds right. i think the centre im working out is breaching ratios...boss wont bring another staff. says its sufficicent~ counting herself in as staff. Though she isnt not helping but she is " around" ...
currently the day goes.
6 under 2's ( sometimes 7)
14 over 2'5 ( 5 of these kids are school ready 4yrs)
ALL combined in one room.

there are 2 staff and the employer whos usually in the office and comes when we need a hand.
This is definatly not right isnt it? I mentioned it but again, its enough staff i was told.

TIA!

Under 2's need one staff per four children, so you'd need two staff to have correct ratio for 6 or 7 under 2's.
2-3 year olds are 1 staff to 8 children, and 3-5 year olds are 1 staff to 10 children (and older children can be included in younger ratios, e.g. 3 under 2's and one 2 year old would still only need one staff member). At the LEAST, you would need 4 staff in the room to have the correct ratio.

You're definitely not in ratio in that room... even if the employer was actually in the room you'd be one staff short

Yes as others mentioned definitely in breach of staffing requirements. Staff can not be classed as contact staff and part of ratios unless directly working with children, ie if off the floor for planning or admin they do not count. My concern is for the kids and staff how can you adequately look after the children in the care with 2 staff members. Would hate for my child to be at your centre. Definitely needs to be addressed and quickly, imagine if an incident happened to a child which needed to be reported to licensing, centre would be in huge trouble then.