CM Club - Can anyone explain this Ofsted letter? Remove conditions of reg?

[Booh]

I got an Ofsted letter.....

Notice of intention to remove conditions of registration

I'm presuming they have sent me this before they send out my new certificate under the EYFS?

I'll be honest I havent kept up to date with the new EYFS, I get my training in April 2013.............Where can I find out about the new ratios?

Thank you

I just had one of these and asked on a different forum and was told it was the usual practice, and will receive my new certificate soon, as they won't be dealing with the issue such as overnight care and variations, it will be up to you as long as you follow the guidelines in the statutory requirements. As far as ratios are concerned, as far as I know you will still be allowed 6 under 8 and 3 in the early years group, unless you have a good reason to allow for more in the early years group, but never more than 6. You then should ensure you document your reasons why as you could be questioned at an inspection or by your LA.

Although with all the recent issues surround childminders it might all change again, which I think is why they have done the certificates to be open ended ready for whatever plans they have for us.

We're all be issued with new certificates, Ofsted are removing conditions but they are set out in the EYFS Statutory Requirements document (cost cutting for Ofsted- no more childminders phoning for variations, no amended certificates being issued).
The ratio's can be found in the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage

page 21, 3.39
You can exceed the ratio under certain circumstances,
"If a childminder can demonstrate to parents and/or carers and inspectors, that the individual needs of all the children are being met, then exceptions to the usual ratios can be made when childminders are caring for sibling babies, or when caring for their own baby. If children aged four and five only attend the childminding setting before and/or after a normal school day, and/or during school holidays, they may be cared for at the same time as three other young children. But in all circumstances, the total number of children under the age of eight being cared for must not exceed six."
It does not mean that childminders can take on extra children but if an existing child needs extra days but it would take you over the normal ratio it is my understanding that this is acceptable, also a sibling of an existing child can be included or twins. The parents of all the children must be informed and told how the childminder would meet the needs of every child.

page 24, 3.56 The indoor space requirements must be met.

Other things to consider before exceeding normal ratio's; emergency evacuation, risk assessments, resources, equipment and access outdoors on a daily basis.