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AIBU?

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AIBU to pull child of books

38 replies

Aprilmaymum · 27/03/2026 14:03

Will keep this short. Due back to work next month and had planned to use my usual childminder. Never any problems though she does have a habit on taking children at short notice so not sure on her numbers. Went round last week to discuss a few hours twice a week and she had approx 10 children there ( she has one assistant. ) she said she has a few more starting next month too. Didn’t think anything of it but talkIng to a school
mum she has got planning permission for only 10 children max. . I called her
last night to say I wasn’t aware she had planning for only 10 children( as On ofsted it says she can have 12.) she didn’t really answer my concern just it was fine as ofsted said she can have 12. Surely if planning have said only 10 that is the rule. I am worrying about her insurance now and thinking of pulling DS out. Anyone any knowledge if Ofsted rules are the rules they go by. ?

OP posts:
pinkpony88 · 27/03/2026 16:30

I assume Ofsted concern themselves with the welfare of the children. Planning Permission would only consider the impact of this on the neighbours. So, parking, noise etc. so if Ofsted are happy with it I assume the childcare provision is adequate but they run the risk of neighbours complaining about noise, parking etc.

NuffSaidSam · 27/03/2026 16:29

Aprilmaymum · 27/03/2026 16:24

She has always had 12 children. The application was applied for 6 months ago and now the council planning say only ten children are allowed.

I would call Ofsted and ask.

NuffSaidSam · 27/03/2026 16:28

Bigearringsbigsmile · 27/03/2026 16:26

How on earth can 2 people look after 10 children properly?
Never mind planning or ofsted!

The ratio for pre-schoolers in a nursery is 1:8, so two people can look after 16 children.

Bigearringsbigsmile · 27/03/2026 16:26

How on earth can 2 people look after 10 children properly?
Never mind planning or ofsted!

Blossom45 · 27/03/2026 16:25

Is that 12 children at one time or 12 on her books but spread across different days?

Aprilmaymum · 27/03/2026 16:24

NuffSaidSam · 27/03/2026 16:15

Ofsted wouldn't approve her for 12 children if they didn't think she has sufficient space and staff for 12 children.

Why would you listen to a random school Mum rather than the childminder you have previously trusted and Ofsted? It seems an odd way to go about securing the information need.

She has always had 12 children. The application was applied for 6 months ago and now the council planning say only ten children are allowed.

OP posts:
Aprilmaymum · 27/03/2026 16:22

so the mum knows a neighbour of hers and she had to apply for planning . she did apply and they said only 10 children are allowed. I don’t know if this outweighs the Ofsted or not. This was only done in the last few 6 months so not when I was previously there

OP posts:
Aprilmaymum · 27/03/2026 16:20

GingersOwner26 · 27/03/2026 16:13

Is it possible the other mum has her wires crossed about the planning permission?

No I checked on the planning site and it does say only 10 children allowed

OP posts:
Aprilmaymum · 27/03/2026 16:19

Fmlgirl · 27/03/2026 16:07

where does this school mum get her info from? Ultimately up to you and whether you’re ok with it. I would assume 12 is the number if it says that on the ofsted site.

She knows her neighbours. I have checked on the planning site and it does say only 10 children allowed

OP posts:
NuffSaidSam · 27/03/2026 16:16

But YANBU. Use whatever childcare you're comfortable with.

NuffSaidSam · 27/03/2026 16:15

Ofsted wouldn't approve her for 12 children if they didn't think she has sufficient space and staff for 12 children.

Why would you listen to a random school Mum rather than the childminder you have previously trusted and Ofsted? It seems an odd way to go about securing the information need.

GingersOwner26 · 27/03/2026 16:13

Is it possible the other mum has her wires crossed about the planning permission?

Fmlgirl · 27/03/2026 16:07

where does this school mum get her info from? Ultimately up to you and whether you’re ok with it. I would assume 12 is the number if it says that on the ofsted site.

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