OrlandoBelle
22-02-2010, 11:43 AM
My husband who is registered as my assistant has just completed his first aid and now has his certificate.
I phoned Ofsted this morning to let them know, thinking that he would automatically be able to be left with children for short amounts of time (i.e. school runs), but as it turns out we have to complete ANOTHER variation request which can take up to two weeks :mad:
I have just read Ofsted's information sheet on using assistants and there's a bit which is confusing me (highlighted red at the bottom). Does this mean that they WON'T grant permission if the assistant wishes to be left with children when they are are sleeping or in bad weather?
The requirements cover:
minimum overall ratios
the need to always have one person who holds a paediatric (baby and child)
first-aid certificate on the premises at all times and also on outings (we treat
any time away from the premises as an outing, including school pick-ups)
risk assessments and suitable emergency arrangements, for example if
there is a fire
the arrangements in place for when staff and assistants are absent
the need for assistants to be aware of and understand your policies and
procedures, and
the arrangements in place for supervising students and any adults who have
not been checked by us.
We can agree for assistants to be left alone with children for short periods of time,
either on or off the premises if:
you can show that you meet these requirements all the time
we agree that assistants are suitable and it is in the best interests of
children.
We will not agree to this if it covers long absences but only to cover times like:
if a baby is sleeping and would have to be woken up to go out
leaving children at home when you or your assistant collects children from
school, for example in bad weather
Just trying to fill out our variation form, and while there are other factors and reasons for my hubby being left with the kids, these two reasons are also included. I have to collect a child at 12pm which is usually when 3 of the 5 other children are taking their nap. Whilst we will not be able to fit all 5 children in the car (as it will be 6 on the way back), I also do not want to wake them up and disrupt their routine. Just trying to figure out how to word it as I have to proove we are providing for the child's best interests.
I phoned Ofsted this morning to let them know, thinking that he would automatically be able to be left with children for short amounts of time (i.e. school runs), but as it turns out we have to complete ANOTHER variation request which can take up to two weeks :mad:
I have just read Ofsted's information sheet on using assistants and there's a bit which is confusing me (highlighted red at the bottom). Does this mean that they WON'T grant permission if the assistant wishes to be left with children when they are are sleeping or in bad weather?
The requirements cover:
minimum overall ratios
the need to always have one person who holds a paediatric (baby and child)
first-aid certificate on the premises at all times and also on outings (we treat
any time away from the premises as an outing, including school pick-ups)
risk assessments and suitable emergency arrangements, for example if
there is a fire
the arrangements in place for when staff and assistants are absent
the need for assistants to be aware of and understand your policies and
procedures, and
the arrangements in place for supervising students and any adults who have
not been checked by us.
We can agree for assistants to be left alone with children for short periods of time,
either on or off the premises if:
you can show that you meet these requirements all the time
we agree that assistants are suitable and it is in the best interests of
children.
We will not agree to this if it covers long absences but only to cover times like:
if a baby is sleeping and would have to be woken up to go out
leaving children at home when you or your assistant collects children from
school, for example in bad weather
Just trying to fill out our variation form, and while there are other factors and reasons for my hubby being left with the kids, these two reasons are also included. I have to collect a child at 12pm which is usually when 3 of the 5 other children are taking their nap. Whilst we will not be able to fit all 5 children in the car (as it will be 6 on the way back), I also do not want to wake them up and disrupt their routine. Just trying to figure out how to word it as I have to proove we are providing for the child's best interests.