Childminder ratios explained (England, Scotland, Wales & NI)
How many children a childminder can look after — the ratios for each UK nation, how your own children count, and how assistants change the numbers.
6 min read
What "ratios" mean for a childminder
Ratios are the maximum number of children you can care for at once, and how many of them can be very young. They keep children safe and are set by your regulator — so they're one of the first things an inspector checks.
One thing catches people out: the maximum usually includes your own children (and sometimes other family members) under the relevant age, whether or not they're with you at the time. The four UK nations set different limits, so always use the rules for where you're registered.
England (EYFS / Ofsted)
In England you may care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight at any one time. Of those six, no more than three may be "young children" (under five), and normally only one may be under the age of one.
Since September 2023 there's more flexibility: you can go over the usual number of young children when they're siblings of a child you already care for, or your own child, using your professional judgement so long as every child's needs are met.
Tip: Your own children under eight count towards the six. If you have a toddler of your own, that's one of your under-five places gone before any minded children arrive.
Scotland (Care Inspectorate)
In Scotland your numbers are set as conditions on your registration rather than a single national rule. They typically allow up to six children under 12, with limits on how many are not yet at primary school and how many are under one — and your own children count.
You can apply to the Care Inspectorate to vary your conditions (for example to take a sibling), rather than assuming you can exceed them.
Wales (CIW)
In Wales you may care for a maximum of 10 children up to the age of 12 at any one time. Of those 10, no more than six may be under eight, and no more than three may be under five.
Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland you may care for up to six children under the age of 12, including your own children. Of these, no more than three may be under compulsory school age. Your local Health and Social Care Trust sets and can adjust your numbers.
Assistants, and when the numbers can flex
Working with an approved assistant can increase how many children you care for — but the assistant must be notified to your regulator and pass the required checks (DBS and suitability) before they count in your ratios or work unsupervised.
Regulators also allow sensible flexibility for continuity of care and siblings. When in doubt, ask your regulator before you take on an extra child: going over ratio is a serious compliance issue.
Tip: Get an assistant approved before you rely on them for numbers — you can't count someone who's still waiting on their checks.
How MinderHQ helps
MinderHQ's Today board shows your live headcount against your limits, split by age band — so you can see at a glance whether you've room for another child that day.
It works to your nation's rules, so the bands and totals match where you're registered. The first month is free at minderhq.co.uk, no card needed.
Quick answers
Do my own children count towards my ratio?
Yes. In every UK nation your own children (and often other family members) under the relevant age count towards your maximum, whether or not they're with you at the time — so a childminder with a young child of their own has fewer places for minded children.
How many children can a childminder look after in England?
A maximum of six children under eight at once, of whom no more than three are under five and normally only one is under one. Since September 2023 you can exceed the young-children limit for siblings or your own child, using professional judgement.
Are childminder ratios the same across the UK?
No. England allows six under eight; Wales allows 10 up to age 12 (max six under eight, max three under five); Northern Ireland allows six under 12 including your own children; and in Scotland your numbers are set as conditions on your registration. Always use the rules for where you're registered.
Can I care for more children if I have an assistant?
Often yes, but the assistant must be notified to your regulator and pass DBS and suitability checks before they count in your ratios or work unsupervised. Get them approved first.