CM CLUB: Chances of getting this varation??? When to ask Ofsted???

[looneytune]

8 week old baby started with me yesterday and mum is very keen to secure a permanent space with me. Atm she is with me on a proper contract but knows that I go on maternity leave in June for 12 weeks and can't guarantee a space when I start back as her baby would be 8/9 months and my baby will be about 9/10 weeks.

Baby is going to be with me until June regardless but she wants to have the 12 weeks off and come back like everyone else. So I said I'd ask Ofsted if I can get the variation for 2 under 1's for the 3ish months before baby turns 1.

I could put it to Ofsted about Continuity of Care etc. but I'm wondering if I should leave it for a bit before I write to them, so that baby has been with me a little longer first? Mum may want to reserve the space asap so she knows it's secure but I couldn't do that until I get an answer from Ofsted and although it would be better to wait til right near the time, I don't want to turn other options down assuming Ofsted will say yes.

Sorry, waffling now.....WWYD? Do letter now or leave it a while?

TIA

Do it now. Say about the continuity of care. Is it full time?

It will be 3 full days a week. Currently doing 2 and hoping to increase very soon, just didn't want to straight away as didn't know how she'd feel about leaving baby.

Sorry for the delay, I lost my connection! So, if its for only 3 months, and only max of 3 days a week, it really amounts to 36 days, which is just 5 weeks!

I am similar situ so glad you asked the question LT!

Sibling of mindee I've had from Sept 05 to May 07 when her mum went on Mat Leave is due to start back May 08 when baby will be 10 months, my baby will only be 2 months old, hadn't thort of working it out like you have MML, this baby will be 3 days a week for 2 months so in reality not that many days!

I had thought of waiting till mine born so I could say I had a baby on X date, but perhaps I should start the process sooner, as the mum has also asked for the settling in days to be during last couple of weeks in April.....knowing how slow Ofsted can be (took 6+ weeks for them to increase my numbers from 4 to 5 last year) should I do it now too?!

Happy to be of help to yet another pg childminder! That's FOUR I've spoken to day! There must be something in the water in the Staff Room. I will stop drinking it immediately!

Sorry Mo, I ended up having a shower and going to bed and never got back to this!

Thanks for your advice, I think I'll just go for it as I do really need to be able to let these people know where they stand. Loving the working out of days Shall I put that in my letter so it doesn't look like it's for too long?

I'm just wondering whether to mention all ages of who'll be in my care or just leave it as mentioning the 2 under 1's? The 3rd one will be 18 months then.

Thanks again

AABP - I'd say ask in advance so you can plan things, at least you have proper continuity of care there as had sibling for a long time. Good luck

Thanks LT, I've drafted my letter ready for dh to give his constructive comments! I've mentioned all the children I will be caring for (as includes a 5 yo school run).

Good luck with yours - your variation and your baby! Hows your spd?

My sister had her baby today (on it's due date!!), a boy, so there'll be two boy cousins very close in age!