CM breaking rules about kids under 5

[katieks]

My kiddies are with a lovely childminder, but she often has an extra child there when I drop them off or collect them. I know that as my kids are young and she looks after her own toddler, that she is at the maximum allowance, so she is basically exceeding the rules on the kids under 5 she is allowed to care for (since the extra kid is definitely under 5). I haven't said anything, but what would you do? In a way I do mind since my littlest is just a baby and rather labour intensive so if she has extra toddlers, he will get less attention/time.

She may have permission from Ofsted to look after an additional under 5. Have you asked her?

Nope, didn't know this was possible. I guess I'm worried about broaching the subject for fear of awkwardness.

If she's registered with ofsted there should be details of the variation on their website if you look her up under conditions of registration.

As wishiwasonholiday said, you can check her details of registration on the Ofsted website. She should also have her certificate on display, so you can have a look at it while you are there.

I have a variation, but all the mindees parents know about it. Did she already look after your older child and then take on the baby? This is a common reason to have a variation added to registration.

Yes cert should be on display

If not then as the others say, search her reg number on ofsted website

Same as everyone else said. In fact I used to have FIVE under 5s and a 5 year old at one point, that was because I had a variation for 4 under 5's and then one was still 4 but at full time school (and therefore counted as an over 5).

Definitely check her certifcate. If she doesn't have a variation in place and the extra child isn't at full time school then she's over her numbers. Remember that the certificate numbers how many she can 'care' for and therefore her own child/ren will be added to those numbers.

I also want to add that the certificate will already have taken into account her own children.

Check her certificate or the OFSTED website for variations. Also, could you casually ask how old the other child is - I had a little one who was a rising five and he looked about three if that bless him.

I should have said that if you are then sure she is breaking the rules, I would not be content in your shoes to let it go on. I can understand that it might be difficult to face either confronting her or taking your children away but I don't think you can be party to that sort of thing.

I would be concerned about her insurance if she is indeed, exceeding her numbers. Don't be afraid to broach the subject. If she is legitimately looking after the children she will not mind one bit and if not, you are in the right. Your children are your primary concern, ASK her immediately. Good luck. Let us know how you get on.