number of under 5s

[jillyjay]

Hi there.

I really need to increase my numbers from 3 under 5s to 4 under 5s for 2 afternoons aweek. Although ofsted have ageed to this in principal they need it put in writing and i need to say how i would cope etc. any idea what they mean by this, is it a trick question so they can turn me down. HELP

[jillyjay]

unfortunatly.....ive already told them that he doesnt come. yet. think ive sorted it for a couple of months then i shall take it from there. thanks for all the info everyone.

[ThePrisoner]

Jillyjay - although the mother is on maternity leave, perhaps the elder brother might like to still come from time to time??? ... therefore, you would still be looking after him? Just a thought.

[ladbrokegrove]

I've just been turned down for this -it would have been only 4 hours, but apparantly the 3 under 5's rule is set in stone at the moment unless it's to take on a sibling or, like in your case, to accomodate shifting work patterns. I called every OFSTED deptartment I could think of as initially I thought I'd be able to get round it, but the inspector said he'd had his fingers burnt on this before, and suggested getting an assistant. hope it works out for you!

[Isyhan]

Jillyjay - do you have to have job descriptions and all that or can you just hire someone? what if it doesnt work out? Its just one thought I had when I get going is maybe to take on an assistant. My worry is if it doesnt work out where you stand without contracts, job descriptions etc. Employment law is complicated. What do OFSTED need you to have?

[jillyjay]

I have had another chat with ofsted. they have suggested an assistand. Have found someone already registered. so have redone letter and await there decision. I did explain that the brother had been to me before, he had nut allegy and i knew how to deal with etc, but their were not having it.

[ayla99]

meant to add i have been given permission once & refused once. The only difference i could see was that when they agreed the extra mindie had only just left b4 summer holidays - the parent wanted to come back for a few weeks in september. When they refused the extra mindie was previously unknown to me. I guess ofsted consider that the parent should in that case choose a cm who is not already full.

[ayla99]

Have you cared for the brother before though? If he knows you well, make sure you tell Ofsted this.

It seems they are not keen to give permission for new mindies. However if you have recently cared for the brother and the children & parents all know and trust you this may make a difference.

Would the mum write a letter for you to enclose with yours, ie saying why they have chosen you to provide care. Also you should check that all other parents would be happy with the new arrangement and tell Ofsted you have done this.

In my letter I detailed the ages of the children, dates & times of overlap & what we would be likely to be doing. I stressed that the care of the other children would not be compromised by the arrangement.

Good luck, write anyway, its worth a try.

[jillyjay]

OFSTED RANG, NOT LOOKING GOOD. THEY SAY THAT BECAUSE I AM NOT MINDING THE ELDER BROTHER AT THE MOMENT (MUMS ON MAT LEAVE) THAT IT WOULD NOT BE CONTINUITY OF CARE. MUM IS REALLY UPSET. ANY IDEAS?

[jillyjay]

thanks for all this. I will get typing my letter tonight.

[ThePrisoner]

I was allowed to have four under-fives for two days a week, plus extra days if necessary (all existing mindees, parents changing work patterns).

I had to give the children's names and ages, and said that I had the consent of the parents to request the variation. I said where I would be (eg. toddler group) and that I had friends or other minders there if I had a problem. I said that I had plenty of toys/activities if I was at home. I also had to say how I would transport them (big enough vehicle or buggies/reins), manage at mealtimes (eg. high chairs).

I also sang my own praises (very difficult to do!!) about knowing I could manage them, had lots of experience, lots of child-orientated qualifications etc.

[badgerhead]

I had 4 under fives for a time last year. I wrote in saying what days I wantesd, nmaes & ages of the children, how I would transport them if required (I walk for the school run & have an MPV)What sort of activities I would do and how you would seat & or sleep them when necessary.

[agalch]

When i had my dd they increased my numbers for babies under 1 so i could mind friends baby.The kids were both 6 months.I had to write out a brief statement explaining how i would transport them round safely.and show that i ahd enough equipment eg double buggy highchairs etc. I also had to say how i would cope with 2 babies(which is a different situation to yours i know)if they wanted attention etc. hth a little. my cc officer was really nice and told me what the cc were looking to hear.let me know how you get on,good luck