Compliance
Inspection Readiness
Every requirement below is quoted from the Children's Act 38 of 2005, General Regulations (R.261 of 2010), Part II — National Norms and Standards for Early Childhood Development Programmes, made under section 94(2). This is what a district official inspects against.
Staff-to-child ratio — the one hard legal number
Norm 4 sets exact ratios. This is checked live against your current register, so it is always current.
| Class |
Children |
Legal ratio |
Staff req. |
Status |
| Newborn (0-18 Months) | 8 | 1 month – 18 months (1:6) | 2 | needs 2 practitioners |
| Toddler (18-36 Months) | 5 | 18 months – 3 years (1:12) | 1 | within ratio with 1 |
| Toddler (3 Years) | 21 | 3 – 4 years (1:20) | 2 | needs 2 practitioners |
| Preschooler (4 Years) | 36 | 3 – 4 years (1:20) | 2 | needs 2 practitioners |
| Senior Preschooler (4-5 Years) | 36 | 4 – 5 years (regulation bands 3–4 at 1:20, 5–6 at 1:30) | 2 | needs 2 practitioners |
| Grade R | 19 | 5 – 6 years (1:30) | 1 | within ratio with 1 |
Practitioners required
10
Practitioners on register
6
The regulation also states "for every staff member stipulated above, there must be an assistant". Read strictly that means 10 practitioners plus 10 assistants. The regulation lists bands for 3–4 and 5–6 years but not 4–5; the stricter 1:20 is applied here.
The seven programme norms, and your evidence
01
Appropriate developmental opportunities
What the law requires
- delivered by staff who have the knowledge and training to deliver developmental programmes
- appropriate to the developmental stages of children
- respect and nurture the culture, spirit, dignity, individuality, language and development of each child
- provide opportunities for children to explore their world
- organised so that each day offers variety and creative activities
02
Helping children realise their full potential
What the law requires
- children must receive care, support and security
- promote rest, leisure and play through a stimulating environment
- promote self discovery
- programmes must be evaluated and monitored
- promote motor, communication and sensory abilities
- promote self control, independence and developmentally appropriate responsibility
03
Constructive care, discipline, health, safety and nutrition
What the law requires
- discipline must be humane, with due regard to the child's developmental stage
- children may NOT be punished physically by hitting, smacking, slapping, kicking or pinching
- policies for health, safety and nutrition practices
- at least one meal per day; meals must meet nutritional requirements
- children must be supervised by an adult at all times
04
Staff requirements and staff-to-child ratios
What the law requires
- staff trained in implementing early childhood development programmes
- staff equipped to recognise children's serious illnesses
- staff trained in first aid
- ratios: 1:6 (1–18 months) · 1:12 (18 months–3 years) · 1:20 (3–4 years) · 1:30 (5–6 years)
- for every staff member above, there must be an assistant
05
Development of positive social behaviour
What the law requires
- promote understanding of and respect for diversity in gender, language, religion and culture
- include parents and care-givers in developing positive social behaviour
- promote positive social values; conducted in a non-discriminatory manner
- staff must model positive attitudes and interactions
06
Respect for culture, spirit, dignity, individuality and language
What the law requires
- promote appreciation and understanding of children's culture and language
- educators must use one medium of instruction in class
- children may communicate in the language of their choice outside class
- contribute to the development of a sense of identity in children
07
Meeting emotional, cognitive, sensory, spiritual, moral, physical, social and communication needs
What the law requires
- appropriate to the developmental stages and evolving capacity of children
- parents and care-givers involved in the development of children
- education and support provided to parents and families
- promote cognitive development and fine sensory and motor skills
- children encouraged to express emotions in a safe, supportive environment
What this page does not cover
These are the norms for the programme. Registration also requires Part I norms for the premises (toilets, water, refuse, food-preparation area, safe storage, emergency plans) which an Environmental Health Practitioner inspects separately, plus your registration certificate, lease or title deed, staff police clearances and Form 30 checks. Those live in your compliance vault, not here.
