Hi,

So i've had my pre-registration visit and was told I met all the requirements so now its just a case of waiting for my Ofsted Certificate. In the meantime I've had enquiries and met with parents who are desperate for care ASAP. Can I sign contracts now in the hope by the time they start the certificate will be here soon?

Thanks

I would do contracts and take deposits/fees for first month but leave the start date blank.
You can't start until you have your certificate.
I have a vague idea that certificates can be emailed and printed off.. not sure if I heard that or made it up, but you've nothing to lose by calling Ofsted to find out :D.

Good luck :thumbsup:

.......I'm assuming you've got your crb checks back? :)

You can care for a child in the child's home (that is not child minding)
You can care for over 8s (don't have to be registered)
You can care for no 'reward' (so send the bill later, when registered. But, bit of a grey area and a bit of a gamble in case the family do a runner- only for people you know well/trust!)
You can care for a child less than 2 hours a day (that is not child minding)

I think those are all the option, others may add more.

And keep phoning Ofsted to check where your certificate is- they want to help families needing childcare so explain exactly your position and ask for how they can help you.

Thank you ladies, Yes all paperwork is complete - I believe they now make sure they have everything they need before doing pre-reg visits. I have a family wanting school pick up for 2 children (under 8yrs) mon - fri and they will be in my care under 2 hours so I think I will use that. I'm hoping by the time they start Monday after next the certificate will be here. I will keep pestering ofsted as well :-)

I had to wait for ages for my certificate, it did my head in! But ofsted were very good when I rang them, and they were happy for me to start minding as soon as they told me my certificate was issued (they update their site at that time so you can see it is online), I didn't have to wait for the postman to bring it. As soon as you have the certificate you can get the insurance in place, and MM did that over the phone with email confirmation followed by a letter a few days later. It all happened on a Friday for me, and my first mindee started on the Monday.

I was in a similar situation to you when I started and in the end Ofsted emailed me a copy of the certificate so that I could start minding