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Original poster

childminder possible in breach of registration

57 replies

Nubbin · 22/06/2010 21:02

Hi

I am due back at work in 2 weeks and had found a childminder I liked - local, nice etc. She was looking after her son (3) full time and doing a school pick up for a five year old. My dd is 6 months old and will be with her full time.

This morning she emailed to say that she has taken on 2 more full time girls (2 and 3). I think this puts her in breach of her Ofsted registration (she is registered as being allowed 4 children under 8 of which only 2 can be in the early years age group). Not sure what to do now - do I mention the Ofsted thing (in which case I imagine that she would probably dump my dd) - more than that would 4 under 5s in the care of one adult work?

Would love to know what other people would do - if anyone has that many kids and how it works? Just think that it does not seem very professional and that does not bode well???

Thanks

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Original poster
Nubbin · 22/06/2010 21:22

Is it really important that childminders abide by the terms of their registration? Do others turn a 'blind eye'? I'm a lawyer so I am kind of anal about meeting the exact terms of my responsibilities as being struck off would be the worst thing ever but I have no experience of the childminding world and whether it is acceptable/ normal for childminders to accept more kids than they technically have registration for.

OP posts:
shoshe · 22/06/2010 21:18

I didnt think you could get a variation for new business, i know I tried, I had a baby, 2 year old and asked for a variation for siblings, 3 and 4, and was told no, as it was new business.

Original poster
Nubbin · 22/06/2010 21:17

The one online says 4 under 8 - 2 in early years - only one under one. I understand that early years basically means under 5 unless they are in school. She (with her son if he counts?? aargh so much I don't understand) would have 4 kids under 4. If I call Ofsted with her number am I 'dobbing' her in? I wouldn't want to cause those problems for her - especially if the other 2 even without dd is not allowed - I understand the wish to maximise income especially as a single mother childminding. My major concern is whether 4 kids in a (not very big) flat will work - safety is the key issue as far as I can tell toddlers are not gentle!

OP posts:
KatyMac · 22/06/2010 21:13

Well check on OFSTED for her registration certificate - the one on-line should be up-to-date

Original poster
Nubbin · 22/06/2010 21:08

Haven't paid her a retainer - she is still keen to have dd - she mentioned in her email that she thinks it would be good for dd to have other girls to emulate and she is looking forward to having a baby. Didn't know that there were variations which wouldn't turn up on the Ofsted website - it sounds odd but am worried about forcing the issue - I am a little out of other options that nurseries in my area are vvv expensive and do not have the hours I need and family is completely different area of the UK!

OP posts:
foureleven · 22/06/2010 21:06

I dont know if this is relevent as Ive had a couple of glasses of wine and cant do the math but I beleive that rising 5s or 5s come in to a different group so the school pick up for the 5 year old wont count.. or something like that. You should call ofsted with her number and ask them before talking to her or making any rash decisios..

frakkit · 22/06/2010 21:04

Did you pay her a retainer? Is she definitely holding that space open?

Is this e-mail possibly giving you notice that she can't have your DD?

I would ask her TBH. She might have a variation.