Ratios for childminders

[hibbledibble]

I looked at the Ofsted website and the ratios for under 5s is listed as 3 per childminder/assistant.

Are there ever times when it is ok to be outside of these ratios?

I'm asking as I saw a childminder where these ratios were significantly out, but she said this was allowed as no set limit. Is this true?

There's nothing written anywhere in the eyfs or from ofsted that says the rules are different for 'new business'. Providing continuity of care for existing children is just given as one reason a childminder might make an exception to their ratios, not the only reason.

It's interesting the difference of opinions on whether this is allowed by Ofsted.

Regardless, I have decided I want a smaller environment for my children.

It's definitely in a grey area.

For many it’s not.

The most a cm can have is 6 under 8. Even in the most extreme example this cannot be breached. I doubt however that an inspector will agree that 6 under 5’s are getting all the care, education and attention they should let alone safety.

Then an assistant can have 3 under 5. The total being 9 under 5. What the hell is she doing interviewing for more mindees and how big must her house be to adhere to floor space regulations?

Georgie the answer to how big the minding space is, is not very big. That was another concern of mine, with the number big children she has, just not enough space for them all.

Is she def registered with Ofsted?

Tanith.............there is nothing in the eyfs to say only the most experienced can do a self variation. The requirement is blurry you have to risk assess and be confident that you can meet the needs of all the children and the parents have to be aware of the number of children....always under 6 under 5's. An assistant allows you to have more but if they are off you can not cover those numbers. You also have to have the physical floor space as laid down. Even the inspectors find it confusing.
A good cm wont want to have that many children under 5 even for a short time.

No, there isn’t but, by default, it’s going to be the experienced childminders who use the continuity of care variations. A new childminder is extremely unlikely to need it.

Georgie yes she is, or at least has been, as I found her through the council directory.

A new childminder could vary ratios due to their own baby, taking on twins or providing 30 hours nursery wraparound though.

Hi. I am surprised that no one has mentioned anything about the space childminders need to care for certain numbers of children. The Early Years Foundation Stage regulations, that childminders and nurseries have to abide by, clearly states the square metres of space a child needs. It is different for each under 5's age group. The younger children need more space as they are more mobile and their learning needs are different. Anyone suspected of over minding should be reported to OFSTED. Only then can you be sure that the correct number of children are being cared for. It is a matter of child protection. If children are not able to receive the correct care due to there being too many children then they are suffering with neglect. (One of the least reported forms of child abuse). For the sake of the children ring OFSTED 03001231231. The children can't speak up themselves.

Erm yes I did mention space needed.

chickenwoman56...............I did to "physical floor space" 4 posts up from yours.