CM: what are the odds that Ofsted will agree to this

[apotomak]

I'm a newly registered childminder. I have just been approached by a parent who will need a care for her 7 month old (then) baby sometime in August. My certificate states no under ones at the moment but my baby turns one at the begining of September. I don't know if I should say a straight NO to her or try to convince Ofsted to add a variation for her ... or maybe that would be a straight no from them too. I don't know ... any thoughts appreciated ...

because your a newly registered childminder they usualy say no (or that is what they said to me) but there is no harm in asking

sorry they told me they usually say no to variations on babys unless you have been minding for 12+ months, then they take a look at individual circumstances.

obviously there are exceptions to this

I had a variation for 2 under 1's in place 6 months after registering. Fill out the appropriate form that can be downloaded from ofsted website.
They will probably ring you so you can explain that you have the equipment for 2 babies, ie car seats, double buggy, high chairs and cots.
I would suggest you say that you need the variation in place asap otherwise they may not deal with it until august.
You could explain to the lady that you will try for a variation but for her to continue looking in case it doesn't come through in time.

Is there any chance the mum could wait until the beginning of September when your dc has turned 1?

I was granted a variation for this at my 1st visit (when they come to check your premises), the Ofsted inspector put me down for 1 under 1 even though my own DS was 10 months, as I was in the same situation with a mum wanting a place for her 10 month old. Its really all about proving you can meet their needs.

I applied for a permanent 2 under 1s variation on the 10th May and just heard today that its been granted - they apologised for the delay and said they'd had a backlog and have seconded staff to help clear it.

Also, if its only for a few weeks you could offer to Nanny for her until 1 child turns 1 -you'd need extra insurance but Morton Michel offer this.