Cotracts, retainers etc?

[Maureen75]

I'm waiting for my CRBs and want to get some mindees ready to start for when I get my certificate.
Was wondering if I'm allowed to start using contracts and get parents to pay a retainer or deposit even though I can't actually start minding yet?

[Chatterbox Childcare]

I can't see why you cannot start but the contracts won't be complete/legal as you won't have your Ofsted number on them if it hasn't been issued.

I think that you can take a deposit but not a retainer as you do not have a place to hold.

Hope that makes sense.