When are "under 5's" classed as a 5 yr old?

[chel86]

I know this sounds like a really stupid question, but do they have to turn 5 years to be entered in to the next category (5-8's) or is it when they are at school full time?

I ask because my son will be attending school in Sept 08, but will not turn 5 until Dec 08. In the meantime I've had someone ask me to mind their baby from May 08, so would I be requesting a variation until Sept or Dec?

Chel

when your son is in full time education
check with school as some schools do half days for 1 week and some do it for a term

They need to be aged 4 years old and in 10 Educational Sessions (so full-time school).
If your son starts school full-time in September, then you can class him as being aged 5 for ratio purposes, but if he's only there part-time, then you can't.

As September 08 is a little way off, try to find out from the school regarding its intake policy... would he start off part-time, or go straight in as full-time, given a December birthday.

It is April 07, and you have had an enquiry from someone for May 08... my they are planning in advance

Thank you! It's a friend of mine, and although I wouldn't normally say yes to friends she's very sensible and business is business with her! She wants someone she knows and trusts.

I'll ask at the school and find out.

Just to add really!! As long as your son starts full time then not a problem.

My ds started school just after he turned 4 full time and changed my number to 2 under 5 (have dd 2)

HTH

not a childminder BUT!
DS1 is 4 (5 in august) and has not been classed as 'under 5' for the childminder since he started school in spetember aged 4 years and 1 month