Childminder advice regarding ratios

[Doglikeafox]

Hi everyone,
I'm an ofsted Registered childminder and I'm looking for some advice. I understand the ofsted ratios of 6 under eight, 3 of which can be under five and 1 of which can be under one. I also understand that continuity of care means sometimes you can go over your usual ratios (no more than 6 under 8 at any time though) as long as you risk assess.
What i'm wondering about is that I currently have 5 under fives on my books, all contracted to different days so that I am never over my 3 under 5 ratio. However, recently I have had quite a few parents asking for me to do extra days, or to swap days around meaning that some days I would have 4 under five. I have risk assessed for this, and I am completely confident in my ability to look after the children. All of my under 5s are atleast two and half, most of them over 3 so it isn't quite the same as having all babies for example.
Am I allowed to be over my ratios every now and again when parents need extra days / hours etc? It is only for pre existing children on my books, and I'm obviously not taking on any new children. I've done it as a one off in emergency situations every now and again, but it is becoming more regular that parents need more days.

Yes it's fine. Just make sure parents are informed.

Definitely allowed for existing children as long as it's RA and parents ok with it.

Thanks everyone. I have written an email to all of my parents asking for them to give their permission in writing and have sent them my risk assessment.
I did think that was the case but wanted to be sure. I'm also going to ring my insurance company just to make certain I'm insured to do so.

I think the ratio is there for a reason and I never go over it, not even for one hour. I would ask Ofsted directly if I were you, and your liability insurer. you may not be covered if you exceed your limit.

Little Miss Crappy - have you read the EYFS? As a childminder I suggest you do! OFSTED won't and have not advised on ratios for a few years. They will always refer you back to the Eyfs.

And even when Ofsted did advise, they always said yes in this scenario (in my experience).

My insurer says that as long as I adhere to the EYFS R.E ratios then I will be insured.
I understand that ratios are there for a reason but I think there is a huge difference between having four 1 year olds, and the 4 children I will have who are 3,3,3 and 4.
Obviously if I had any doubts about coping I wouldn't risk it