Assistants...

[LittleLegsCM]

So, is an assistant worth it?? I've had an enquiry which im possibly going to have to turn down because it takes me above my eyfs for a measly 1.5 hours! But it will be 4 full days work so been trying to think of a way around it all night (crappy non-sleeping night ) but from what I've read on different posts unless they're fully qualified etc there's not really much an assistant can do, is this right?

Tbh, I don't really want to pay out for someone to get trained up as the woman doesn't go back to work til July, the end of July is obviously school holiday so I won't be having one of my eyfs kids anyway and then once the new guidelines start in september id be ok so I don't really know what todo!

What would you do??

[rickysmiths]

Do you mean it takes you to 4 under 5s?

If so get a Variation. Start and apply because the mins hours of work have increased or maybe it is taking her longer to travel to and from work that previously thought.

I can't see how an assistant would be worth it for such a short time unless you have a friend or family member who would do it. The trouble is that you would be luck to get them registered by July now anyway. It takes about 3 months to get someone new registered because they do CRBs, and follow up references etc.

[LittleLegsCM]

Do you mean it takes you to 4 under 5s?

If so get a Variation. Start and apply because the mins hours of work have increased or maybe it is taking her longer to travel to and from work that previously thought.

I can't see how an assistant would be worth it for such a short time unless you have a friend or family member who would do it. The trouble is that you would be luck to get them registered by July now anyway. It takes about 3 months to get someone new registered because they do CRBs, and follow up references etc.

Yeah, on a Tuesday there would be between 1 & 1.5 hours where I will have 4 under 5's between 1 being dropped off and another being picked up.
Will they allow me to get a variation at such an early stage? Would I get in trouble if I took her on with the 1.5hr cross over if the variation took a while to be agreed though?

[mummyof3]

I agree apply for a variation I have one two days a week where I can have 4 under 5s. I had mine granted within a few weeks of minding, you have to prove you could manage on the form but as its for such a short period of time I'm sure you will be fine.

I now have an assistant (level 4 qualified ex-childminder) I pay for her to do courses and first aid and she is self employed so she invoices me every month so I'm not her employer. I have to admit sometimes I look at what I pay her and it is covered by the extra childrens fees but it is nice to have the company and extra pair of hands!

[mummyof3]

I would NOT do it before ofsted agree to it as it only takes one phone call and you could lose everything!

[LittleLegsCM]

But that's what I'm saying, I thought you could only get a variation with existing mindees (or siblings) to continue with the existing care? Would they actually consider it before she's (possibly) started?

[Tigertots]

yes it is poss I had a variation granted so i could take on another child it was for one morning a week.
I am wondering what is the rate to pay an assistant

[sharonmanc]

i have just had a variation granted for 2 under ones, different families, and only been minding a month, so worth applying for

[coffee-time]

i got a variation for 4 under 5 every thurs for 3 hours, wasnt a problem and it was for a new mindee too! worth a try. i think it took about 2 weeks to get an answer. hth.

[Monkey26]

I can't see how an assistant would be worth it for such a short time unless you have a friend or family member who would do it. The trouble is that you would be luck to get them registered by July now anyway. It takes about 3 months to get someone new registered because they do CRBs, and follow up references etc.

Both my assistants were registered within 3 weeks but then my partner was already crb's as living together and only needed to do a first aid course to be left in sole charge. Then 2nd assistant already had first aid so only needed crb which was back within a couple of weeks! Luck yes I expect so but just to say it doesn't always take a super long time xx

[rickysmiths]

Yeah, on a Tuesday there would be between 1 & 1.5 hours where I will have 4 under 5's between 1 being dropped off and another being picked up.
Will they allow me to get a variation at such an early stage? Would I get in trouble if I took her on with the 1.5hr cross over if the variation took a while to be agreed though?

I would apply for one and mark it urgent. You can't work without it.

[Agape Childcare]

Both my assistants were registered within 3 weeks but then my partner was already crb's as living together and only needed to do a first aid course to be left in sole charge. Then 2nd assistant already had first aid so only needed crb which was back within a couple of weeks! Luck yes I expect so but just to say it doesn't always take a super long time xx

Thanks, that was helpful