For ratios, the National Regulations put children in centre-based care into four age groups (regulation 123): birth to 24 months (1:4), over 24 months to under 36 months (1:5), 36 months up to preschool age (1:11) and over preschool age (1:15). “Over preschool age” depends on school enrolment, not a birthday (regulation 4). NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, the ACT and WA vary some bands. NQF services cover children from birth to 13.
This page sets out how the law defines each age group, what each group means for ratios in every state, and the age questions families and staff ask most.
| Age group (regulation 123) | National ratio | Where a state differs |
|---|---|---|
| Birth to 24 months | 1:4 | Same in every state and territory |
| Over 24 months and less than 36 months | 1:5 | Victoria 1:4 (r 357) |
| 36 months or over, not over preschool age | 1:11 | NSW 1:10 for 36 months to under 6 years (r 271); Tasmania 1:10, or 2:25 in a preschool program (r 342); WA 1:10 (WA’s r 123(1)(c)) |
| Over preschool age | 1:15 | ACT 1:11 (r 260); WA uses a table by group size (r 369) |
Each ratio is a minimum for centre-based services (regulation 123). Family day care has its own rules. Use the ratio calculator to apply your state’s settings, or see childcare ratios in every state.
The boundary between the third and fourth groups is set by regulation 4, and it turns on school, not age:
So two 5-year-olds can fall in different groups. One who has started school counts in the over-preschool-age group in OSHC. One who has not, and still attends long day care or a kindergarten program, is in the 36-months-to-preschool-age group. The same split decides which documentation rule applies under regulation 74.
Most rooms mix ages. Regulation 123(2) says the ratio for mixed ages must be met at all times, and regulation 123 counts children at the service, not room by room. The under the roof guide explains how to add up the requirement for each group, and its current status.
VECRA’s summary of NQF services gives typical age ranges: long day care from birth to 5 years, standalone kindergarten (preschool) for 3- and 4-year-olds, family day care from birth to 5, and outside school hours care and vacation care for school-age children. Across the NQF, services educate and care for children from birth to 13.
Funding rules are separate from the NQF. For Child Care Subsidy, Services Australia generally requires the child to be 13 or under and not attending secondary school. It sets out exceptions, for example where an older child needs supervision. Check Services Australia for your situation.
Under regulation 123: birth to 24 months (1:4), over 24 months to under 36 months (1:5), 36 months up to preschool age (1:11), and over preschool age (1:15). NSW, WA and Tasmania use 1:10 for the third group, Victoria uses 1:4 for the second, and the ACT and WA vary the fourth.
1:5 nationally for children over 24 months and under 36 months. Victoria requires 1:4 (regulation 357).
There is no fixed age. Under regulation 4, a child is over preschool age once enrolled at school and attending, or due to attend this calendar year, the year before grade 1 or a higher grade.
NQF services educate and care for children from birth to 13. For Child Care Subsidy, Services Australia generally requires the child to be 13 or under and not at secondary school, with some exceptions.
Usually yes, if neither has started school: both fall in the 36-months-to-preschool-age group (1:11 nationally; 1:10 in NSW and WA; in Tasmania 1:10, or 2:25 in a preschool program). A 5-year-old who has started school moves to the over-preschool-age group.
WIDEN Law answers National Quality Framework questions with inline citations to the National Law, the Regulations and the NQS, so you can check the source provision yourself.
14-day free trial, no card →This page is a research summary, not legal or compliance advice. It is written in our own words from the sources linked on the page; confirm the position with your regulatory authority before relying on it for a compliance decision.