Question??

[babyfatmustgo]

Hi can someone help me please?????

Im about to start childminding and will have 3 under 5's, 2 of which go to pre-school 9am to 12pm. I have been approached by another mother to see if i could have her DS for 4 hours every morning 8-12, she would drop off at 8 (same time as other children) and then meet me at the school gates at 12 to take her DS home.

Can i do this bearing in mind i will have 4 under 5's in my home for 40 mins in a morning and with me on the school run which is a 5 min walk??

Unlikely to be able to do it. You won't know for sure until you have your registration certificate. Once you have that, if you don't understand what it means, start a new message thread, title it something like CM Club: Registration Certificate Query - then other childminders will easily spot it and with luck be able to tell you how many minded children you can care for.

With pre-school, keep in mind what happens in the event that the pre-school is closed. Are you or the parents responsible during that time? If you take and collect the child from pre-school, parents may expect you to be available if there is any problem at pre-school.

You would have to apply for a variation, contact OFSTED and they will E-mail you the forms. They usually only allow for 4 under 5 for continuation of care (siblings etc) but you can always try. Will you be having the other children during the holidays? So 4 under 5 every morning.

Just things to consider

you need to be able to demonstrate how you could care for the differing needs of all the children - high chairs or booster seats/car seats/double or triple buggy, how you would keep them all safe in your home and out and about, how you would cope in an emergency, this kind of thing

don't be tempted to go over your numbers without permission, your insurance will be invalidated for starters

Thanks for all your comments, i have considered my position and have decided not to take on any "fill ins" and just stick with the 3 i will have x