Variations

[fruitloop79]

How easy is it to get a variation?
I've got someone interested in a Weds vacancy which is fine but to fill my vacancies I would need to find a Mon-Tues child and a Thurs-Fri child. I reckon this could be very difficult (and I NEED to fill my vacancies - we rely on it!).
Do you reckon I could take this Weds one on and also take on a full-timer?
I will already have:

23 month old - Mon-Weds (who can't shift days about)
17 month old- Fridays

So, with a possible full-timer AND the new Weds child (I think 10 months old) I will have on Weds: 3 under 5 PLUS my own DS (2.8yrs).

Shall I take on the Weds in the hope I'll get a variation?

Does this all make sense??????

I think maybe you should phone Ofsted and ask them before taking the child on. Or you can take them on and ask for a variation but if you don't get it will you be doing yourself out of a full timer?
I would expect you would get it as it is only for one day.
Good luck.

If you write to Ofsted and tell them it's urgent they will deal with it quickly. You need to tell them a start date. I made a request and needed it in 2 weeks, and I got the variation and the certificate through within the 2 weeks. And that was for a full timer and a before and after school every day.

You need to stress that it's urgent in your letter though. They won't take requests over the phone.

I dont think they are likely to give a variation on the possibility of getting work in the future

I would take on the child & see what happens - you might get someone for the other days & if you do get a F/T child you can ask fore the variation then

ok, thanks guys.

ummm, mixed responses, . Maybe I'll write to Ofsted before. If that doesn't work I could try for a variation if a full-timer comes alongg.

Thanks for your help everyone

I would listen to the others! Katy is right, they won't do a variation on the basis that you MIGHT get some work but if some comes along then write and tell them its urgent like Chel says!

Agree with Katy I'm afraid as they usually like to know the name of the child, age etc. I say go for it as they will prob say yes if that situation comes up. Especially if you say they will be coming to you the other days but they don't want a different childminder for the one day you can't do - for continuity of care reasons

Sorry to say when I asked for a variation last year I was told no.It was only for 1 and a 1/2 hours on 1 or maybe 2 days a week.
I've been cm for 19 years and was graded good in my last inspection plenty of experince ,wrote a great letter on how I would cope etc so I would'nt take anyone on without an answer from ofsted.

oh blimey, Aaggghh!

I'm getting desperate for work now! I just don't wanna regret turning this Weds one down. I've advertised everywhere (on the net and CIS) Is it quiet everywhere?

Do not turn it down

Part-timers can be better - do all the loacl C/Mers have F/T children only = it's quite rare

Take a chance you can always try for the variation if a f/t child ever turns up

Agree with Katy

Well..........

I got a call from a lady wanting Mon-tues (Seeing her tomorrow) which means I could have the weds one after all. I'm seeing Weds one on Monday
Thank you so much for your advise everyone. I'm hoping this works out. They may not even chooses me anyway .
Positive thoughts fruity! positive thoughts!

I meant choose!

Told ya so