Can I just ask?

[robino]

How come some of you CMs have more than 3 under 3s in your care?

Am just interested. I had a brief look at some "becoming a CM" information and it said that usually there was a limit of three under 3s. What's unusual about you?

You can get a variation from Ofsted, usually if you're looking after siblings or there's some other good reason. For example if you only had 1 free space and a mum came to you with twins they'd probably let you do it, or if you're caring for 2 children from different families and one of their siblings then wanted to come as a new one they'd allow that too, usually will allow if it would mean a family having to use different cm's for 2 or more children or if it would mean a family leaving one cm to go to another

Thanks tommypickles! That makes a lot of sense. Would I be right in assuming you'd probably have to be registered before asking for a variation?

I am a SAHM with 2 DDs aged 2.4 and 11 months. My good friend has 2 DDs of the same age and had asked if I'd be interested in registering as a CM and having hers for 2 days a week - when I looked into it I immediately discounted it as a possibility because of the information I'd found.

I have 4 with a variation and the oldest is three. I have siblings.

The best thing to do is send a letter to OFSTED and outline how you could look after 4 small ones - mention how you'd cope with sleep time, resources, going out, meal times, logistics etc.

According to Ofsted it's very unusual to get a variation before you've had your first inspection.

Saying that though I got one within 4 weeks of being registered to cover crossover care with 2 under ones (my only under 5s at that time).

I did exactly what Jennipenni suggested. Brill advice.

probably difficult before you're registered but the main thing they consider is continuity of care, so if you actually know the kids they will probably rule in favour, but get registered and then ask. It quite an effort though to get a variation, you have to list what you'll do hour by hour through the day, that you have enough room, equipment, toys etc and can meet the needs of every child in your care. It usually only takes a couple of weeks for their decision, but I hope your friend isn't wanting you to care for them very soon cos just the registration process takes upto 6 months, once you've waited for the dr's reports, CRB check, courses etc. But good luck

Thanks all. Not really sure it's something we'll go ahead with - it was just something she mentioned a few weeks ago when she found out we'd be moving back to the same town as her (only been away 8 months and have seen them every week in that time). She has a childminder for her two at the moment but may need to change her hours which the CM can't do.