Hello, I'm new to this forum and have a question

[FoxyLoxy1]

Hello. I've been a registered childminder for 2 years and have 3 children of my own. I've lurked on this forum for a couple of weeks but this is my first message.

I need to apply for 2 under 1s and I wonder if any of you know what I'm supposed to do. Do I ring Ofsted, write to them both? Does anyone know how long it takes for them to make a decision.

Thanks. FL.

I think if you ring them, they send you out a form, on which you ask them to alter the conditions of your registration. They are meant to respond within 3 months.

Don't know if there is necessarily a correct way, as people I know have written them a letter in the first instance.

Why will you be having 2 under 1s?

Someone I know would like me to childmind her daughter who will be 6 months. My son will be 10 months. She has 2 older boys who are a similar age to my older boys and they all get on really well together. She wants to use me as she already knows me and we have several mutual friends. I would like to look after her children because we have simlar views on food, discipline etc. and all our children get on so well. She's not a friend, more an aquaintance.

She has talked about delaying returning to work by 2 months if necessary, but I'm not sure if this is really an option.

FL.

A friend of mine applied for a variation recently. I advised her to write in initially, so I'd advise you to do the same.

Make sure you are sending the letter to the right place - as regional offices have had a bit of a move over recent months... addresses are on the Ofsted website. Your letter must have your registration number on it (that's the EY thingy in your case I suspect) and I would suggest sending it by recorded delivery. You should outline what you are wanting changed, reasons as to why and explain how you will cope with two under 1's... for example that you have the correct facilities, are not having many older children etc.

One thing I spot is that you have 3 children and your friend also has 3 children, so if you childmind all your friends children, it will put you up to the max of 6 children (unless some are aged 8+). Space requirements need to be taken into consideration, the National Standards gives details of space needed for each age range.

How long will it take... very hard to say, it could take a few weeks, it could take a few months! Don't expect much to happen over Xmas, though if you get a letter into them ASAP, you may be lucky in at least having someone read it before Xmas.

Good luck, Jo.

Thanks Jo. One of my children will be 8 in Feb and my aquaintance has one who is already 8. I do not do before and after school usually, and the boys will usually be at a before / afterschool club. It is a term time only contract, but some days will be needed in school holidays and then it will be for all 3. Best get my letter off today as she is returning to work mid Jan. She's left it all a bit late.

Thanks. FL.