Two under 1's?

[Daddy Day Care]

Hi all

Just had a text, asking if someone could come see me this week wanting care for there child who is under one, they were given my number form another childminder who has no spaces.

I thoghut fantastic to start of with then 2 seconds later dismay. My wife is due 25th Ocotber, and am I right in saying that even tho she will be home for 6 months and she will be the one caring for baby during that time the baby will still count in my numbers?

Also are Ofsted liely to give a variation for a new minder for 2 under ones? if i explain my wife is at hoem and looking after my own child?

Thanks for any help

Gareth
xx

[sweets]

not sure really but if you are going to start with this baby before yours arrives you would be better applying for a variation then as it will be for continuity of care, you are more likely to get it then.

[balloon]

I got a variation for two under ones within a month of registering /beginning work so it is possible.

But is very unusual, or so I was told by Ofsted at my inspection. I have a background in under ones at nursery and the variation was given for continuity of care, that may have made a difference...

[Tam's Tribe]

Oh I so hope you can get a variation . . . and from the advice already given, it could be a possibility . . . keep positive and pro-active.

[Daddy Day Care]

not sure really but if you are going to start with this baby before yours arrives you would be better applying for a variation then as it will be for continuity of care, you are more likely to get it then.

I did think about this, as ive read laods on continuity of care on here and i know most times it is given. I would just feel terrible if it wasnt given and I had to give notice after just a month

[Daddy Day Care]

I got a variation for two under ones within a month of registering /beginning work so it is possible.

But is very unusual, or so I was told by Ofsted at my inspection. I have a background in under ones at nursery and the variation was given for continuity of care, that may have made a difference...

I have no background, just hoping the fact that my wife will be in sole care for our own baby during the worknig day this may help. The lo birthday is early december so it would only be for 5 weeks

[MissTinkerbell]

I would have thought that it would be OK as your wife is going to be sole carer for your little one - its not as though you are looking after your own LO and the mindee. Only thing is to ring Ofsted, explain the situation and see if its worth applying for a variation. They won't give you an answer but will know whether its worth it.

[julie w]

I have found OFSTED to be very good regarding variations, and especially as it's only for 5 weeks and your wife will be at home with your own baby. I obviously cant say for definite, but I cant see any problems. So ring them tommorrow.Good luck. Let us know how you get on. Julie.x.

[Monkey1]

I can't see it being a problem Gareth. See the parents and then speak to Ofsted, as you don't have any other mindees they should be ok about it!

[rickysmiths]

I would like to say that under the circumstances you describe I would definately start the baby and then apply for the Variation on grounds of continuety of care.

I have had lots of variations over the years and in the last year contrary to popular belief I got one for an under one new starter. You just have to prove to Ofsted that you can do it the other go stance is The Economic Wellbeing one under Every Child Matters. By caring for the child you are helping the family, the only thing you have to be able to do with the parent is to demonstrate that you are the only cm that can care for the child, that there is no one else in the area that the parent could use.

The only thing to bear in mind is will you go over numbers in six months when it sounds as if your wife will be returning to work? There is of course nothing to prevent applying for another variation then though.

Good luck.

[Chatterbox Childcare]

I would go for it and by the time your wife goes back to work you will be okay in your numbers.

[Daddy Day Care]

The only thing to bear in mind is will you go over numbers in six months when it sounds as if your wife will be returning to work? There is of course nothing to prevent applying for another variation then though.

Good luck.


No by the time my wife goes back to work, my daughter will be 5 and in full time school and then ill have my ds who will be 2, mindee who will be 1 and my baby who will ber around 5 months.

I was honest with the parent and told her the situation, she was still really interested and shes comming round to see me thursday morning :clapping: :clapping:

Thanks for all the advice Ladies

Gareth
xx

[sweets]

good luck with the visit, ive got someone coming tues, its horrible waiting isn't it.

Fingers crossed for both of us:)

[flora]

Good luck Gareth, hope they sign on the dotted line :clapping:

[It's a small world]

Great news Gareth.. not sure how it will work if your wife is home with your new lo. I would givce osfted a call and see what they say. If your wife goes back to work and you will then be looking after your new lo then I would say that it will be included in your numbers. Ofsted can't guarantee a variation as it depends on each individual. I enquired about twins mths. Was told by opn person that this should not be a problem Then when variation team sent me form to complete said could not guarantee as each case different. I would call ofsted and see what they say.

Good luck hope it works out for you.

:clapping:

[TheBTeam]

Good luck with the visit!

[Cazz]

I would have thought Ofsted would give you the variation if it's only for 5 weeks.

Good luck for the visit, hope she goes ahead - I'll keep everything crossed for you :D

[ORKSIE]

Ring em and ask...Personally I dont see a problem if Mrs DDC is in charge of baby.
If you dont ask you wont know.
Sending lots of luck in your direction:clapping:

[helenlc]

I would go for it. I cant see it being a problem if its only for 5 weeks and your wife is going to be about caring for your LO.

Good luck for Thursday:thumbsup:

[misst104]

I really hope it works out Gareth and Ofsted are fine with the variation. Will keep everything crossed for you.

xxx jo

[Gherkin]

I applied to have two under ones and Ofsted granted it no as a variation but as a general change to my certificate so that I can always care for 2 under 1 if I wish. It also was not a continuity of care issue.

I applied as the only enquiries I was getting were for under ones. I wrote a letter to ofsted and explained why I was applying for the change and gave evidence as to how I would cope with 2 under 1 and what resources I had to cope with the age range and they granted the change. Did almost fall over in shock when the inspector called to say yes.

[Mollymop]

Hope it works out for you. Fingers crossed!

Your baby is due on my Birthday!!!:clapping:

[Daddy Day Care]

Thanks everyone,

Does anyone know if theres a specific number you ring for adivce on variations? or just ring the regular number?

Baby wont be born on your bday Molly, got a scan in a couple of weeks then hjave to see the specialist and they gonig to book a c-section, likely to be a week before the due date depending on the scan.

Gareth
xx

[It's a small world]

Thanks everyone,

Does anyone know if theres a specific number you ring for adivce on variations? or just ring the regular number?

Baby wont be born on your bday Molly, got a scan in a couple of weeks then hjave to see the specialist and they gonig to book a c-section, likely to be a week before the due date depending on the scan.

Gareth
xx

When I rang the main number they were going to put me through to the variation team to get forms but told them already sent them an email. Phone normal number and explain and ask to be put through to variations.

Good luck..

My house isn't spotless but then it is a home and not a showhouse...1 hr 20mins to go....nothng else I can do biut wait now. Let us know how you get on..

[Daddy Day Care]

Well I hponed Ofsted this monring, the guy I spoke to didnt seem very hopefull at all, said he was gonig to put me on hold for a bit and check "the system"

I must have been on hold for around 15 minutes and to be honest I was close to hanging up the phone. When he came back he sounded much more possitive, told me to take the child on (if mum wants me of course) and then get back in touch once my wife has ahd the baby and ask for a variation then, and there shouldnt be a problem. :clapping: :clapping:


So then I went to a tots group in a great mood, only 6 of us turned up and we all happeend to be childminders. 3 of them had already been contacted by this woman but they are full and couldnt take the lo on. I know shes visited at least 2 other childminders and didnt choose either of them and I know shes visiting one more before she comes to me on thursday. This kind of makes me feel more negative when yesterday I thought she sounded so eager, but even if she turns me down at least ill have met a parent for the first time and have that experience.

Keep your finegrs crossed for me please could really do with this, if I dont get a lo soon christmas will be given a miss in this house this year

Gareth
xx

[OrlandoBelle]

Awww, I've got my fingers crossed for you Gareth. I really hope you get the mindee.

I will be in a similar situation next April when my baby is due as one of my current mindees mum's is pregnant too; due in November and she wants me to start having her baby in April. Hopefully DH will be registered by then but I still don't know if we will be able to have 2 babies between us. :panic:

[FussyElmo]

Good luck Gareth sending positive vibes:)

[ORKSIE]

Good Luck Gareth. Sending Positive vibes:jump for joy:

[Chatterbox Childcare]

Sounds like she has high standards - go get her tiger!

[Daddy Day Care]

Sounds like she has high standards - go get her tiger!

:eek: :eek: :panic: :panic: noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo thats the last thing I wanted to hear.....high standards????? I got no chance now lol there goes the little confidence that i had.

[It's a small world]

Gareth you will be fine. Do you have a portfolio to show her in case she asks.

All you need to do is show her the areas you will be using. Talk a little about yourself. Tell her what you do within you settings etc.

With mine explained that I go to various childminding groups . Visit the local park. Go feed the ducks & fish. Sometimes go little further a field to different parks. Told her about the different activities we do ...lots of paintiing/sticking etc. Showed her all my toys under the stairs.

Answered any questions she had and explained to her that I have details of my hours/fees/list of policies/list of permission slips and gave her my business card with website address on and suggested her and her husband look at it together so they can discuss my settings in more details about what they would like. Explained that when she registers her child with me I have a form to complete that asks about her dd's likes/dislike / sleps/ favourtie foods etc so I know all about her dd routine and plan as well as possible around her routine.

She asked about meals gave her a quick run down of what I do and explained that with winter on the way meals will chnage but that I always have a menu on my notice board for parents to view.

Listen to me I sound like a professional :laughing: :laughing:

HTH and makes sense:blush:

Kx

[Daddy Day Care]

Oh Kerry you make it all sound so easy fancy popping round tomorrow and sorting me out? :)

Yeah I've got a portfolio to show her, need to do a bit of work on it tomorrow tho, its not as in depth as yours tho.

The parent and lo are having there lunch here as well not so sure that was such a good idea now, only 36 hours till she gets here
:panic: :panic: :panic:

Gareth
xx

[LOOPYLISA]

Good luck ddc :thumbsup:

[PixiePetal]

Good luck DDC :)

Then send some luck my way as mindees are rather thin on the ground here :(

[balloon]

Good luck!

Having lunch is a unique idea and may well sell you to her. Remember to keep talking professionally and act confident and bold even if you don't feel it inside, lol!

[Chatterbox Childcare]

You don't need luck, you are going to ace it.

You are a professional - be assertive and have confidence in yourself.

Let us know how you go.

[ORKSIE]

Hope it goes well DDC:thumbsup:

[westbrom44]

I mentioned to the Ofsted inspector on my first inspection that I had turned down children as I could only have one child under one and she changed my registration to two children under one without even asking!

I have had two children under one and didnt find it too difficult. As long as you have enough equipment, such as highchairs, cots and double buggy.

I would just apply.

[zippy]

if baby starts before wife is due you can get a variation, especially since shes off for maternity