My mum has phoned me today and said that her job is looking unsafe. She works with adults with learning difficulties at present. How would it work if she were to register as a childminder and we were to work together? (This is purely an enquiry at the mo, probably wont come to anything). I seem to remember something when I did the ICP that it didn't make a difference, you could still only have 6? If thats the case it wouldnt be worth it as I dont earn enough to cover two wages.

It depends on space in your house, experience and other things.

You should contact CSSIW for guidance :D

My husband and I are going through the process of increasing our numbers at the moment. It is a right palava:rolleyes:. When we work together currently we are still only allowed 5 under 8's (we have a 6 year old ourselves) although all of these children may be under 5. To increase this number we have to apply for planning permission. Our inspector is quite happy to increase our numbers if we increase our space (which we are doing by building an 'outside classroom') but the final say so is from the Local Authority. Some minders have been lucky and have spoken to planning and been allowed an extra couple without paying for planning permission. We want more than that so that entails paying a fee:D.

So it is possible but not always straightforward!

Carmarthenshire always used to be very hot on planning restrictions for childminding so I assume they still are.

You can childmind up to 6 children of any age from the address at any time. If you are working with a co-minder all of those can usually be under school age (with CSSIW agreement of course). As Manjay says to increase the number of children that you can care for you would need to speak to the planning department. Full planning permission is the same as if you wanted to build an extension. Application, fee to council, consultation with neighbours and other local people with a vested interest, planning committee meeting etc.