EYFS 3.39-3.41: Where is 'exceptions to ratios for continuity of care etc'?

[moggy]

EYFS 3.39, 3.40 & 3.41: Where does it say about exceptions to ratios for continuity of care? So, if parent shift change or need different day etc which will put you over the normal ratios, the thing about it being for exceptional circumstances, short term etc. It is often referred to here but I can not find the exact text in EYFS... ??

Thanks.

[Rick]

It doesn't use the words continuity of care but EYFS does state the following:

3.40 If a childminder can demonstrate to parents and/or carers and inspectors, that the individual needs of all the children are being met, then exceptions to the usual ratios can be made when childminders are caring for sibling babies, or when caring for their own baby. If children aged four and five only attend the childminding setting before and/or after a normal school day, and/or during school holidays, they may be cared for at the same time as three other young children. But in all circumstances, the total number of children under the age of eight being cared for must not exceed six.

This is explained here:

http://www.childmindinghelp.co.uk/forum/general-childminding-chat/119767-ratios-change-what-means-you.html#post1259508

[sarah707]

Ofsted document - 120117

Title - The numbers and ages of children that providers on the Early Years and Childcare Registers may care for - A childcare factsheet

Page 5

Paragraph 7 - Quote - 'Paragraph 3.29 in the EYFS also allows childminders to care for more children in the early years age group through an overarching ‘exceptional circumstances’ statement. We will normally interpret an exceptional circumstance as relating to the continuity of care for children and/or where sibling children are not babies.'

Ofsted did not write the EYFS - Dept for education wrote it. Ofsted write factsheets to help us understand how they will interpret the EYFS when they are inspecting us.

Factsheets should always be read alongside the EYFS because they contain essential guidance about what exactly inspectors will be looking for during inspections.

Hth :D

[moggy]

Ofsted document - 120117

Title - The numbers and ages of children that providers on the Early Years and Childcare Registers may care for - A childcare factsheet

Page 5

Paragraph 7 - Quote - 'Paragraph 3.29 in the EYFS also allows childminders to care for more children in the early years age group through an overarching ‘exceptional circumstances’ statement. We will normally interpret an exceptional circumstance as relating to the continuity of care for children and/or where sibling children are not babies.'

Ofsted did not write the EYFS - Dept for education wrote it. Ofsted write factsheets to help us understand how they will interpret the EYFS when they are inspecting us.

Factsheets should always be read alongside the EYFS because they contain essential guidance about what exactly inspectors will be looking for during inspections.

Hth :D

Thank you!