Ratio's

[Katy M]

I am hoping for some confirmation.

Even though the new certificates don't list the ratio's of children we can mind the ratio's are the same aren't they?

A childminder in my area has taken on more children since September because she thinks this is allowable. She is taking care of 4 children 0-5 years repeatedly through the week. These are not sibling children, it is new work.

The Statutory Framework says "At any one time, childminders may care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight. Of these six children, a maximum of three may be young children" (0-5)

Have I understood this correctly???

[FussyElmo]

I am hoping for some confirmation.

Even though the new certificates don't list the ratio's of children we can mind the ratio's are the same aren't they?

A childminder in my area has taken on more children since September because she thinks this is allowable. She is taking care of 4 children 0-5 years repeatedly through the week. These are not sibling children, it is new work.

The Statutory Framework says "At any one time, childminders may care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight. Of these six children, a maximum of three may be young children" (0-5)

Have I understood this correctly???

Yes you are right - think this will be more and more common as wrong information is being given out or misinterpeted

[JCrakers]

It's for siblings and continuity but there is going to be mass confusion as Ofsted just dropped us in it without help or anyone to ask.

No idea what will happen when they find out hundreds of minders are over minding

[PixiePetal]

That is not how it is supposed to be - she has it wrong for new business. Ratios still apply in general, it is for 'exceptional circumstances' just like old variations were. Very confusing for some and I am sure she is not the only one getting it muddled

[k1rstie]

That is not how it is supposed to be - she has it wrong for new business. Ratios still apply in general, it is for 'exceptional circumstances' just like old variations were. Very confusing for some and I am sure she is not the only one getting it muddled

I think a lot of minders are deliberatly getting themselves muddled!! Then will claim they did not know if they are ever picked up on it!

[wendywu]

But to be honest the old variations were very easy to come by. Loads of minders used to tweak the days and hours to be able to plead continuity of care.

So now you just fib to yourself instead of Ofsted

[jumping j]

I regularly (4 out of 5 days) end up with 4 during the day due to parents changing shift patterns/days/being late.
And even once last week ended up with 5 for 2 hours, due to 2 parents texting 15mins before pick up to say they were running late!
On my old certificate I had a variation for this but now I just get on with it, it's continuation of care, not new business.
But I am certain some minders will take on new business, knowing they don't actually have the space and then claim they didn't understand or it's continuation of care.

[Helcatt]

I think a lot of minders are deliberatly getting themselves muddled!! Then will claim they did not know if they are ever picked up on it!

This is what I think is happening!

I have a "self appointed" variation 3 days out of 5 because of changes in patterns for parents or because of a new sibling starting - none of them have been arranged to cover for "new children"

I have also seen/heard one person state that because they have a child in the EY, they can still have 3 others under 5 on top of that and have taken on an extra child - again, I think deliberately mis-interpreting

I am also wondering if this is a deliberate act on behalf of Ofsted, to then say that people are caring for more children then using it as a 'valid' excuse to increase our numbers to 5 under 5's as part of a change in our registrations, claiming that it will bring down the cost of childcare, bla bla bla

Or am I being a little bit too into conspiracy theories here?

Hx

[Kiddleywinks]

I am also wondering if this is a deliberate act on behalf of Ofsted, to then say that people are caring for more children then using it as a 'valid' excuse to increase our numbers to 5 under 5's as part of a change in our registrations, claiming that it will bring down the cost of childcare, bla bla bla

Or am I being a little bit too into conspiracy theories here?

Not just me thinking that then eh?