Hi everyone,
I have been desperately trying to get back into childminding. I have 2 sons of my own aged 3 and a half and 18 months old. Now I am a bit confused about restrictions on numbers! I was under the impression that no-one could have more than 3 children under the age of 5, is this right? Or was it a specific restriction on my registration? I've seen that some of you have more under 5s than this, did you have to get permission for this? I have had an enquiry for two siblings aged 3 and 4 for 2 days a week and would hate to turn them down,
Stella

with the revised EYFS (Sept 12) childminders were given the 'power' to grant themselves variations - but only for continuity of care - basically exceptional circumstances. it is not for new business. and with that you need to do RA's, consult parents etc.

A childminder still has to stick to the given ratios of no more than 6 under 8's - 1 of these can be under 1 and so on....

its a bit of grey area open to misinterpretation

This is what I thought, so as mine would be new buisness I doubt very much it would be allowed as it would be 4 under 5. Bummer!!! 2 of them would be at nursery every afternoon too so I know I could easily cope :(
Stella x

But since they are siblings isn't that counted as continuity of care? I know two childminders who were granted variations for 4 under 5 before the revised eyfs came.

But since they are siblings isn't that counted as continuity of care? I know two childminders who were granted variations for 4 under 5 before the revised eyfs came.

'Continuity of care' implies that one of the lo's is already settled with the CM when sibling number 2 comes along. Otherwise there's nothing to continue.

I did actually speak to Ofsted after this, Mr Ofsted basically said if one of the children started with me and then the parent for whatever reason decided they wanted to send 2nd child also then that could be seen as continuity of care, but they couldn't start at the same time!
Stella x