Can you have an assistant just part time?

[RainbowDrops]

Hi there,
I'm currently registering as a childminder and my OH wants to be an assistant with me. I think it could work really well making things like cooking, trips out, school runs etc easier.
He is booked into the same paediatric first aid course as me anyway and if this is possible I will apply for a DBS etc for him.
He works part time, therefore could only be my assistant part time (3 days a week)

What I was wondering is
1. can you have an assistant just part of the time?
2. would this affect the ratios allowed?

Thanks everyone xx

[rickysmiths]

My husband is a Teacher and is registered as my Assistant. I don't pay him but he works with me sometimes in the holidays. We can increase our numbers when he is with me if we want to but I don't.

[funemnx]

My assistant only works with me for some school runs - it works out great for both of us as some of my lo's arrive just as we go to school and some leave just as we get home so I don't need her during the day which suits her too

[bunyip]

We do something very similar. Mrs bunyip has 2 full days at home as my assistant. We increase our numbers on those days.

The other 3 days, Mrs B gets back home from her "proper job" ( ) in the afternoon. We don't increase our numbers, but make the most of other opportunities. She can stay with the lo's while I do school run, especially useful if a child is asleep or the weather is grotty. Or one of us can attend to baby needs without the other having to break off from guiding an activity: stops the little beggars from getting paint and play-doh in the Axminster when my back is turned.

Be sure to consider everything before increasing your numbers. From a regulatory point of view, you must check your available floor space and insurance cover. Then remember the practicalities. eg. 6 non-mobile lo's is going to be tricky with 1 double buggy and a small car with 2 child seats. I know this is stating the obvious, but I know it happens.

[mama2three]

Your oh will need a dbs regardless of whether hes your assistant (assuming he lives with you.)

[RainbowDrops]

Thanks all for the advice! Yes i totally forgot he needed the DBS as well when I posted lol xx