Age and experience

Can young trainees really be counted as staff? Mary Evans looks at the issues and examples of current nursery practice The Government's revision of the rules to permit 17-year-old trainees to be included in staffing ratios has prompted fears that standards are being diluted. But some leading figures within the sector argue that with adequate controls and supervision in place, it is possible to count 17-year-olds in the team and still provide quality childcare. The guidance issued by Ofsted, in...