CM CLUB:URGENT Childminders working with assistants, Read this

[KatyMac]

I have just come off the phone to OFSTED

If you work with an assistant you can not leave children over the age of 5 with the assistant

This is absolutely official

I have had to apply for a variation requesting to leave my own DD (aged 11) with her G'ma (my assistant) at my house if I am out

Confused you will be

So we can leave the most vulnerable children under 5's with lower qualified staff but not less vulnerable ones (eg over 8)

Bizarre

Yes I found this out when I got my new certificate begining of November. Another of Ofsted's silly rules!!

Hmm, interesting. So it's not OK even if parents have signed something to say that they are OK with the assistant looking after an older child?

Although it hasn't happened recently, I've had evening training courses to attend in the past, and parents have not always been able to collect their children by the time I need to leave, and have always been happy for my husband or adult daughters to be there with them.

No it is specifically 'NOT ALLOWED'

I have applied for a variation to allow my mum (& other assistants) can look after DD (& other mindees) while I (& the other childminders) am out

That seems so insane! Thanks for the heads up Katy, will be telling the CM I assist tomorrow. So does this include school runs aswell?

Bump

Is it never allowed the wording of the cm's certificate seems to say it's ok?

If there is a variation saying it can happen....then it can

But no-one knows to ask for a variation as it was OK before EYFS

ARGH this is a minefield. Is there something in EYFS then KM that has thrown this up?

The CM I work with is really worried because every day her assistant goes to one school and she goes to another and obviously most DC are over 5!

Yes - it has devastated us - it means DD can't stay with her Nana, when her Nana is working

It is a cock-up & they are trying to change it

But it is a very little publicised bit f the EYFS saying that (in early years) assistants can have sole charge with written permission but that for over 5's & over 8's (childcare & voluntary registers) the childminder must be present at all times

Do you know where in EYFS it is Katy so I can tell the CM?

Thanks so much for this, we had no idea and inspection in theory is due in April!

see page 6

Remind them they told you you're not a childminder any more. You can't possibly ensure a childminder remains present at all times if you have no childminders in your setting!

No I'm sure I have something in writing somewhere that says I can still be a childminder (tho' where it is?)

& A PHONE CALL TODAY SAYS THAT NO - i CANNOT HAVE A VARIATION(oops sorry)

Sorry that was unfair of me

They did say they would see if there was a solution to look after DD that didn't involve me finding a childminder somewhere to look after her