Apply for a variation or assistant? Which is easier?

[TwistAndShout]

I am a newly registered CM and already have children waiting to start.

I am hoping to have two sisters aged 9 months and 3 years to start from August. In term time I will actually only have the elder sister one afternoon a week. But for the school holidays I will have them both 3 full days. However, I am only registered for 1 under 5 until sept when DS2 starts full time education. At my pre reg visit the ofsted inspector said I could try to apply for a variation if I can prove continuity of care. I could therefore take the baby earlier and then apply on the grounds of keeping siblings together.

Does anyone know how easily Ofsted issue variations? Is it a long process?

My other idea is to register my mother as my assistant. She works in school so is available in school holidays. She is happy to do this and already has enhanced CRB as she is a foster carer too. This would mean I could increase my numbers and so care for both sisters alongside my own children with my mother's help.

Looking at the Ofsted site and forms etc, this actually looks more straightforward. Have any of you registered an assistant? Is it more complicated than this?

I'd really appreciate anyone's experience or opinion on this. Sorry this is long and so many questions within one post!

I think you've answered your own question!! I would go with your mother as an assistant, i've a friend who did this, she will need ofsted to do another crb but if you do it now your mum will be able to help whenever you need her.

Thanks Danthe4th I think you're probably right.

Any idea how long it takes to register an assistant? I'm guessing it's not as long drawn out as registering as a childminder but then again we're talking Ofsted here!

Gonna suggest trying variation first an assistant can take a minimum of 13 weeks by which time your ds2 will be about to start school. Your mums crb won't count I have just taken on an assistant who had seven current crb's but non counted as they only count if countersigned by Ofsted.

You need to fill in a form on Ofsted website if you message me your email address I will help you fill form in I have had at least 12 variations in the last few years approved for myself and friends who are Cm's they take up to 4 weeks. You say ds2 starts school full time in September how old is dc1?

Thanks LesbianMummy1. That sound's good. will PM. had just started to panic about the implications of NI and tax about employing mum, though she says she doesn't want any money and is happy to help!

It's frustrating as it's only for 9 days in august and only one month before DS2 starts school.

My DSs are 6, 4, and 2. So to have both girls will take me to 4 under 5s. I could start with the baby sooner and then ask to have the older girl to keep siblings together? The annoying thing is that I'm not too fussed about the financial gain (in this case) but would really like to build up a relationship with the 3 year old in the holidays before I only have her one afternoon in term time.

Have emailed you