Variations and the EYFS - more clarification

[sarah707]

Question asked -

The childminder has 2 children under 1 on their certificate. This is a long standing agreement with Ofsted due to their length of time as a childminder and experience / qualifications.

Can Ofsted clarify whether this will be removed from September and if it is going to be removed (as appears from the current documents), why?

Answer from Ofsted -

This will be removed as childminders, under the revised EYFS, can make this decision for themselves. They do not have to have Ofsted’s authorisation to take two babies.

However as now they must be able to demonstrate to Ofsted and to parents that they can meet the individual needs of all the children. Ofsted will check this at inspection or if any concerns are shared with us about these arrangements by parents

Question asked -

The childminder has a child / children of their own within their under 8 ratio. Their child / children stays with their father regularly during the working week or might be going on holiday for a week. Can the childminder fill their child’s space? Or are the childminder’s own children subject to different rules from childminded children?

Answer from Ofsted -

The EYFS does not make any distinction between any times the childminder’s own children will be with them or with someone else. It simply says that the numbers of children include the childminder’s own children and any other children for whom they are responsible.

It does not indicate the children must be present.

When setting conditions of registration we have only allowed childminders to extend their numbers at times their own children are not with them on very rare occasions. We have only done so where we are convinced that someone else, such as the child’s father has responsibility for them throughout the time they are not with the childminder and that any such arrangements would not fall through, for example if the children were ill or the person caring for them was ill.

Under the revised EYFS childminders may make these decisions for themselves but they need to consider carefully whether the arrangements for their own children would hold at all times. They should not seek to extend their places in this way unless they are satisfied that another person holds responsibility for their own children during this time and will continue to do so even if problems occur.

I hope that clarifies some of the queries. I am happy to approach Ofsted with any other questions

[blue bear]

Sarah, do you know if it means we can have two totally unrelated babies who are not coming to us under continuation of care?

At the moment if certificate says 2 under 1 we can have them for new business as long as no more than 3 under 5

[miffy]

Thanks Sarah

Miffy xx

[Penny1959]

Sarah, do you know if it means we can have two totally unrelated babies who are not coming to us under continuation of care?

At the moment if certificate says 2 under 1 we can have them for new business as long as no more than 3 under 5

This was answered in my questions to Ofsted - the answer is yes - if for example 2 mums of current mindees have babies and both want a place with you.

The same rule applies about new business - the exception being that if enquiry for twins and only have one place - so that twins can be cared for together.

Of course will need to risk assess and ensure can meet all children's needs

Penny

[Mouse]

Thank you Sarah.

[blue bear]

This was answered in my questions to Ofsted - the answer is yes - if for example 2 mums of current mindees have babies and both want a place with you.

The same rule applies about new business - the exception being that if enquiry for twins and only have one place - so that twins can be cared for together.

Of course will need to risk assess and ensure can meet all children's needs

Penny

Thank you penny x

[Mollymop]

Thansk very much Sarah x

[george]

Hi me and my husband are both registered so when working alone are allowed the normal number of children and when together can have two under ones and five under five but no more than six under eight, from sep is it true we could each work to our own numbers so for example he could have six under eight and i could have one under eight making seven under eight together or even one more making eight under eight? We definitely would not want to go above this its just we have a couple of pregnant mums and we already have after school. children so this would really help? Thanks

[sarah707]

Hi me and my husband are both registered so when working alone are allowed the normal number of children and when together can have two under ones and five under five but no more than six under eight, from sep is it true we could each work to our own numbers so for example he could have six under eight and i could have one under eight making seven under eight together or even one more making eight under eight? We definitely would not want to go above this its just we have a couple of pregnant mums and we already have after school. children so this would really help? Thanks

I imagine you have those lower total numbers because of the size of your house... or experience or similar - they often limit total numbers for working together.

If you go above 6 under 8 you might need to apply for planning permission to change the use of your home - that costs a lot and can take some months to come through (and it's not automatic - they write to your neighbours who might object).

I think you need to ring Ofsted in the first instance and check what changes if any will be made to your current ratios.

Hth

[sandy64]

thankyou sarah