council have initially said no....

[eidoj1985]

I contacted the council to take on an assistant amd unfortunately they have initially refused me and want some further information from me.

Noise assessment and Appraisal survey
Floor plans
Car parking availability

Anyone else had to do this? Any ideas what the first one is and how to organise getting it done?

Many thanks
Jodie

[bunyip]

Sounds very much like they're proposing you apply for planning permission. Have you made it clear you're a CM and not a nursery? I should ask them for their criteria for needing planning permission. Most councils only require that if you go above the usual EY numbers/ratios.

[bindy]

No need to contact council to take on an assistant, how many children are you going to take on? I have an assistant so I am able to have 6 under 5,not the normal 3, still with only 6 kids don't need planning permission.

[tulip0803]

I am only allowed 6 minded children of any age before I have to apply for change of use. It does depend on area. Are you proposing to take on an assistant and have more than 6 children at any time? If do this may be why they want more information, Theoretically from the councils point of view if you wanted to increase the number of EY children you care for and then have school age too during school hols you could have 9+ families dropping and collecting at the same time (unlikely!).

In this area a few years ago newly registering childminders could only care for the number of children that took the number in the household to 6 before planning permission for change of use was required. As a family of 5 that meant a single childcare place!!!!! Councils do have odd rules. They have changed it now.

[rickysmiths]

I didn't contact the Council when I took on my Assistants. I never have more than 6 under 8s so it is none of their business!

[eidoj1985]

Thanks everyone.

It was too take on an assistant and more then the 6 children as there is high demand from the local school for after school care.

The letter does mention about changing the use of premises. Which I dont want to do.

[sarah707]

I won't go over 6 children under 8 because of the problems that might be caused by planning permission requirements. Every area is different, but here they would write to our neighbours to ask about the impact of our business on their lives - not a path i am willing to follow.

Good luck with it all xx