What are the ratio and qualification requirements for reception classes in maintained schools?
The EYFS does not place ratio and qualification requirements on reception classes in maintained schools provided they fall within the legal definition of an infant class (i.e. a class containing pupils, the majority of whom will reach the age of five, six, or seven during the course of the school year). Such classes are already subject to infant class size legislation which requires that an infant class must not contain more than 30 pupils while an ordinary teaching session is conducted by a single ‘school teacher’ (as defined by section 122 of the Education Act 2002 and the Education (School Teachers’ Prescribed Qualifications, etc) Order 2003). However, children attending reception classes are still part of the EYFS and schools should take account of the particular needs and vulnerabilities of these children when making their staffing arrangements. Many schools already employ full time support staff to work alongside teachers in reception classes.
