CM CLub: Tell me what I already know about going over numbers

[Numberfour]

I am a CM. My son goes to a CM for only 3 hours a week while I am studying. I heard today from a CM friend that DS's CM could not go to toddlers one day because she was over her numbers.

Tell me the obvious: DS cannot go to her anymore, can he? I would not fcking go over my numbers so how the fck can I send my child to someone whos disregards the welfare of the kids she cares for? (and NO i do not swear in front of my DS or the children I care for but I am upset!)

I am looking for courage to terminate the contract. but

Going out for a bit and will be back later.

what on earth would I do without MN?

and a bit

That's awful , what a terrible thing to happen to you. You would have thought she wouldn't dare, apart from the fact it is against the law, she obviously knows you are a childminder.

Do check with her if she has a variation in place just in case someone mis-heard her, maybe she was saying she couldn't go to toddlers because she couldn't fit them all the car...... just trying to help, [grasping at thread smiley]

But yes, if she is over her numbers, you need to remove him as you will know what the consequences could be with insurance ect.

Good luck

Like Rosie said - was she actually over her numbers, or just couldn't take all the children for whatever logistical reason. If she was over her numbers for no good reason (ie emergency), then I think you are right to terminate your contract.

If she has gone over her numbers deliberately then you need to remove your child. However there are some reasons that may explain things.

Not sure what area you are in but in my local area cm have been stopped from going to groups at children's centres unless it is a toy library or they have their own child some cm with own children have been told they may only take one extra if they going as parents.

I know of a childminder near me who had misread the regulation regarding rising fives as child attended 8 early years sessions not 10 and thought she could count him as a rising five so technically although four could be classed as a five year old she found herself over numbers for a day before she realised and then had variation approved by ofsted so was fine.

Or as others have said it could be logistical e.g. not enough space in car or not enough push chair space to transport.

Good luck hope all is ok

Thanks, everyone.
My CM friend asked DS's CM to join us at a Cm toddler group. DS's CM said that she would not be able to go because she would normally only have a brother that day but had his sister as well taking her over her numbers. She also knew that a local authority CM support officer would be at the toddler group and said that being over her numbers she would not be able to go.

So, I really do believe that it is a case of deliberately going over her numbers. I had also heard rumours to the effect about a year ago that she has been known to go over her numbers. Yes yes yes rumours schumours, but even so. It does not sit well with me and now i have to canceol.

So my next question is What do I say to her???

in those circumstances be honest with her and say that as she is not working within her oftsed regs and therefore invalidating her insurance so she either applies for an emergency variation immediately and shows you confirmed new certificate or new conditions on ofsted website within a week or you will be terminating your contract with immediate effect. I would also say you were unhappy to pay during notice period as you would be forced to find alternative childcare immediately and would not be bale to pay for two childcare spaces.

so the cm delib went over her numbers and obv knew she was wrong or she would have turned up at the M&T

i dont think you can carry on using her knowing she flaunts the rules and therefore making her insurance invalid

Oh no, that's terrible, is she stupid?! Anyway, I'd just say it as it is about how she's not insured etc. Poor you and yes, don't pay any notice period, sure she'd rather not worry about the money than have a visit from Ofsted!

i lied and said that my son's bf's mum offered to have him - sorry, but i chickened out.

i tried to work out if I was overreacting but it did not feel right and i feel better for having terminated. She did not ask for notice pay and seemd a bit put out, but my son comes first.

thanks everyone. sorry for typos. standing up while typing and using a teeny little notebook

glad you were brave enough to end it hope your new childminder is better for you

thanks, LesbianMummy1. Looks like it might be after school and a friend keeping him at hers til DH or I get home.

sorry to ask but is your own child 4 as she may have thought he could count as a rising five if he just missed school I know of a childminder near me who misunderstood the rising fives clause

DS is 6 in a few days' time, LM1. There is no confusion on her part about his age etc.

ok just checking sorry

No need to say sorry! I really appreciate the interest you've shown in my little saga!

I have had friends staying this weekend and they are a bit fed up with me banging on and on about this!