Counting your own children in ratios even if in school

**gemgem12** · 02-02-2016, 05:11 PM

Hi, I've just clarified with ofsted about ratios as at my pre reg visit I was informed I would need to count my 2 own children in ratios even though at school/nursery and I've been told since that this isn't correct.
I've just rang them and he did say that because I am the legal guardian then I will need to count them in ratios regardless of me having my parents close by who would have them on the rare occasions when nursery/school is closed ect.
As I have 2 young children (the oldest starts school in sept) I wish I had discovered this sooner!
Just thought this info may be of use x

**Mouse** · 02-02-2016, 05:26 PM

How old are your children?

**gemgem12** · 02-02-2016, 06:13 PM

They are 3.5yrs and 2yrs. Obviously I knew to include when they are with me but didn't realise I needed to include them when they aren't. And was told different things about it so wanted to ring and clarify! X

**JCrakers** · 02-02-2016, 06:15 PM

Originally Posted by gemgem12

Hi, I've just clarified with ofsted about ratios as at my pre reg visit I was informed I would need to count my 2 own children in ratios even though at school/nursery and I've been told since that this isn't correct.
I've just rang them and he did say that because I am the legal guardian then I will need to count them in ratios regardless of me having my parents close by who would have them on the rare occasions when nursery/school is closed ect.
As I have 2 young children (the oldest starts school in sept) I wish I had discovered this sooner!
Just thought this info may be of use x

Your school aged child will be out of your under 5yr ratio though in Sept

**sarah707** · 02-02-2016, 06:47 PM

When your own children are somewhere else they are not in your ratios - you need to risk assess what would happen if they came back.

It is clarified by DfE in a number of documents including this one -

Frequently Asked Questions

I have no idea who you have talked to but you need to challenge them!! x

**gemgem12** · 02-02-2016, 08:27 PM

Originally Posted by sarah707

When your own children are somewhere else they are not in your ratios - you need to risk assess what would happen if they came back. It is clarified by DfE in a number of documents including this one - Frequently Asked Questions I have no idea who you have talked to but you need to challenge them!! x

Thankyou Sarah. I wonder why I've been told that twice then, if it's not the case. It's very confusing - this was my first query I wanted clarifying as haven't started minding yet and it's not very reassuring if they haven't given me correct info. X

**sarah707** · 04-02-2016, 08:12 PM

Originally Posted by gemgem12

Thankyou Sarah. I wonder why I've been told that twice then, if it's not the case. It's very confusing - this was my first query I wanted clarifying as haven't started minding yet and it's not very reassuring if they haven't given me correct info. X

Unfortunately it's common for the wrong advice to be given - it's best to find it in documents if possible

**gemgem12** · 18-02-2016, 02:31 PM

Just thought I'd share on here incase anyone knew to childminding was struggling with this as much as I was!
I've had clarified that my eldest child will count in my over 5 ratio even though he is only going to be 4yrs. (This is because he'll be in full time education). And when it's school holidays hell count in over 5 ratio too. If child isn't in full time education then they must be counted in ratio even if in nursery or preschool.
I was so confused that I'd only be able to take on 1 little one because of having to count him even though he'd be at school! But I won't need to - I'll just be counting my 2yr old.
X

Simona · 20-02-2016, 08:24 AM

Originally Posted by gemgem12

Just thought I'd share on here incase anyone knew to childminding was struggling with this as much as I was!
I've had clarified that my eldest child will count in my over 5 ratio even though he is only going to be 4yrs. (This is because he'll be in full time education). And when it's school holidays hell count in over 5 ratio too. If child isn't in full time education then they must be counted in ratio even if in nursery or preschool.
I was so confused that I'd only be able to take on 1 little one because of having to count him even though he'd be at school! But I won't need to - I'll just be counting my 2yr old.
X

Good that it is all sorted for you ...always best to either ask Ofsted or the DfE depending on which conundrum needs sorting