I've had an unusual request...

[badtemperedaldbitch]

I mind an 11year old in my home of an evening. Last night I was told that the child hadn't been to school for a number of days due to a billing issue at the school. The child was on the receiving end rather than the giving end.

So I was asked if I would have the child 9-12 next week while mum works. It's not half term till the following week.

Wwyd?

Bullying....Not billing!

I don't understand what's happened. How could the child be on the receiving end of a bill from school?

Billing ? as in they can't pay fee's ?

ahhh sorry x post !

Aaahhhh - should have waited!

If you have accommodate the request, I would try to, as the poor child is obviously having a rough time and it may well help him to be with familiar faces who care for him.

Sad the school have excluded him rather than dealt with the issue.

Sorry!

• can

No mum has removed him. I gather its a long term issue

Would ofsted frown on it though?

I don't think ofsted would frown on it. Just note it all down on his record and maybe get mum to sign

Will they be wanting tutors to visit? If so that could limit your timetable for outings etc with other children.

No I don't think she is making alternative educational arrangements, which is I guess, is why I'm hesitating

Ofsted do not regulate care of 11 year olds, so they are not an issue.
Local authority education welfare on the other hand may be... if you go out and are spotted they may ask you questions. Get something in writing from mum stating that it is her decision to not send her child to school, so should you get stopped by an education welfare officer you can refer them directly to mum.
So just cover your back.

Do consider how it will affect the care of younger children. During termite you will probably have your routines of activities some of which may not be suitable for an 11 year old.

I would probably do it for a week or two but not any longer than that. Obviously the parents can't just let him stay at home forever (unless they plan on home educating him) so a couple of weeks should be enough time for them to put a plan in place. I second what nannynick said about it being difficult to take an 11 year old to toddler groups, etc during term time.

I wouldn't be too worried about being spotted by an education welfare officer. I have been home educating my son since October and have never once in all that time been stopped by anybody.

I was in a similar position when asked by a parent to care for an 11 year old that had been excluded from school. I knew the family , who were having issues, mum had left for another man. Said child was fab with the little ones. Came with me to toddlers. We chatted about things and I wrote things down to cover my back, she had work to do, mainly research her interests. Behaviour was perfect with me. This happened on and off for a few months and she eventually ended up in specialist care. I would say take child on, child knows you, knows your home, boundaries etc...

Thanks everyone. I think I will take them on.