My own son started ft school last Sept and at the time I came out of cm'ing to work in a playgroup but am now back. I had the 'rising-5 clause' added to my registration last year to cover me for a child in reception, which states I can care for 2 children in the Early Years age group - my own son at the time being the third child.
I've asked them to amend my registration to reflect the fact my son is in ft education, expecting them to amend it to 3 under5's, but no more than 5 under8's (ds being the 6th). However, got a call from Ofsted today telling me that my own son is still classed as my rising-5 and that, yes I can have another child in the early years while he is at school, but not before/after school or during school holidays. They added that I can apply for the variation after his 6th birthday in November - even though EYFS only applies until 31st August, although I dont have to follow EYFS for him.
I've had an enquiry for a child 3days a week and if this is the case will have to turn them away, given the numbers/hours I already have. Financially, I need the work. My only other option would be to put my ds with a cm before and after school - how crazy is that, and how upset will he be that mummy is looking after other children but not him! .
Can anyone shed any light on this for me? Has anyone else had the same situation? Is this Ofsted making it up as they go along again?