How many children can I mind?

**tazzietwo** · 31-01-2013, 03:06 PM

Hi, I know there are several threads on here regarding space to children ratios but I just wondered when Ofsted will come out to check as I am going on the course in my area in September and may well have to pay for it (it's free at the moment). I obviously don't want to pay if I can't then have enough children to make childminding a worthwhile 'career choice' and I have read on here that you should ideally have a double mattress space for each child. I live in a 3 bed detached house but could only just get a double mattress in the space that is left in my lounge and another one in the dining room so don't know how others go on in smaller houses! I was going to use my stepson's bedroom for naps as he is never here in the week. Do I also register ours and my daughter's bedroom as regards to space? I am really confused and don't want to wait til Sept to be told I can't have more than 2 children as I am not working at the mo and could be finding an alternative childcare job. Thanks so much, Tara

**FussyElmo** · 31-01-2013, 04:04 PM

Usually it 6 under 8 - with no more than 3 under 5.

Your children will count in the above numbers.

They do take in account your house space but as a rule of thumb it is 6 under 8

**dette** · 31-01-2013, 04:08 PM

under the new guidlines they are removing the need for a quota of space per child so you wont have to worry

**loocyloo** · 31-01-2013, 04:14 PM

when they talk about space they include whole room size, not just the amount of room left after including sofas, tables etc. i also think ( but am not sure, so don't quote me! ) that they now include kitchens and hallways in allowable space. when i first started minding i lived in a small 2 bed terraced house and was given permission to have the full 6 under 8.

**bunyip** · 31-01-2013, 05:02 PM

Originally Posted by dette

under the new guidlines they are removing the need for a quota of space per child so you wont have to worry

Wow, really?

So, my scheme for a row of 'Left Child Lockers' on every commuter station in the UK takes a step closer to fulfilment.
Does anyone want to buy in on the franchise while there's still time?

**FussyElmo** · 31-01-2013, 05:16 PM

Originally Posted by bunyip

Wow, really?

So, my scheme for a row of 'Left Child Lockers' on every commuter station in the UK takes a step closer to fulfilment.
Does anyone want to buy in on the franchise while there's still time?

Me me - apparantly according to the report floor space is a trivial issue

**bunyip** · 31-01-2013, 05:44 PM

Originally Posted by FussyElmo

Me me - apparantly according to the report floor space is a trivial issue

Great.

My 'left child locker' design includes a fresh water supply and an over-sized hamster wheel for exercise. I'm currently working on the 'Teach Yourself English & Maths for 2 year-olds" video which will be run on a loop via the visi-screen (just to keep Ms Truss happy.)

Working title for the company name is "All Trussed Up".

Watch this space....

**JCrakers** · 31-01-2013, 06:59 PM

Originally Posted by bunyip

Great.

My 'left child locker' design includes a fresh water supply and an over-sized hamster wheel for exercise. I'm currently working on the 'Teach Yourself English & Maths for 2 year-olds" video which will be run on a loop via the visi-screen (just to keep Ms Truss happy.)

Working title for the company name is "All Trussed Up".

Watch this space....

Lol....