Right, sorry if I am being plain stupid but how do new childminders get funded places when they first start minding? Because obviously we wouldn't be 'graded'.

Or can we not offer these places?

I'm confused - please help :)

Right, sorry if I am being plain stupid but how do new childminders get funded places when they first start minding? Because obviously we wouldn't be 'graded'.

Or can we not offer these places?

I'm confused - please help :)

You need to ask your LA what arrangements they have for new CMers. Now that it will be up to 30mths until you get a grade each LA has to work out what they are going to do- they might make their own assessment of you... you need to ask them as each LA may well have their own procedure.

Moggy's right: ask your LA.

I know some will allow new CMs to do funding on the assumption that Ofsted wouldn't pass them for registration if they were 'requiring improvement'. Such LAs may want to know the new CM is doing certain things to develop their skills/business, such as training and being in a CM group. It does vary with each LA.