Read a bit about this recently so thought I'd share my experience.
Just after I became registered but still working in my previous job my daughter's childminder gave up. I rang up to check I was allowed to mind my grandsons as I couldn't give up my job and look after them for nothing. Was told it was ok as long as I wasn't becoming a childminder to purely look after grandchildren. Which wasn't the case as I'd already registered, started courses and planned to leave work early this year if I had children to mind then. Anyway I handed in my notice earlier than expected and started looking after the boys at the end of last year. I'm advertising for others and 2 part-timers were meant to start Monday which I told Ofsted. The mother then decided to give up work instead (alright for some) so didn't get them. Ofsted then turn up Tuesday to do inspection (said they would mon,tues or wed) but wouldn't do the inspection because only related children were here at the time. I know they are related but I have done all the paperwork as I would any other child. It was so frustrating that I'd put so much time and effort into all the work for them coming and they wouldn't look at anything. Anyway I have to ring them as soon as I get another child and they will come back out. ps they weren't gone 2 hours when I had an enquiry and possible a starter soon.

I thought I was going to have a similar problem because I only look after my grandson during the day. The other children I look after are at school all day and over 8. However, I have two children under 5 starting tomorrow so hopefully that won't be a problem when I have my inspection.

I was also told by another childminder that if you don't have any children under 5 at the time of inspection (and don't plan on having any under 5) then you would only get a 'satisfactory' grade. If this is the case then I would appeal because I don't think that's fair :(

She said I would be sent a 'not minding at the time of inspection' letter (or something along those lines) So although they are saying its ok to do they are then not classing it as minding when they come for inspection. Hope to get someone soon so I can get Ofsted straight back out while I'm up to date and ready

Good luck :)

I look after my granddaughter 5 days a week and another child 2 days a week. Is it that if OFSTED come on the days I havent got the other child they wont inspect me?

Not sure of the ins and outs. Don't know if it was because I dodn't have anyone else on the books at the minute or if it was because they were the only children in the house

Just out of interest does that mean you don't have to follow eyfs for related children ?

I rang and asked OFSTED the same question as I dont get paid looking after my granddaughter. They said I still need to do EYFS for her too. Not fair.

I'm not surprised you feel frustrated, I would too.

Good luck with your enquires and you can get them back to inspect you soon:thumbsup:

Is'nt it annoying, you have to count them in your numbers and follow EYFS for them but you are not classed as childminding when you are caring only for them :eek: :angry:

I rang and asked OFSTED the same question as I dont get paid looking after my granddaughter. They said I still need to do EYFS for her too. Not fair.

They told me the opposite - it's so confusing :(

I get paid to look after my grandson. If we have to count them within our numbers then why shouldn't we :)

I've just realised how my post above must have sounded awful. When I said I get paid, I do, but I wouldn't dream of having money off my daughter. She is able to claim tax credits to help with childminding costs :)

I know what you mean. I too get paid what my daughter gets towards childcare. I couldn't have given up a job in the NHS that I'd done for 31 years without having some other income. I don't see what's wrong with that \i'm providing a service that she was needing. Otherwise she would have been giving that money to another childminder anyway

yes thats what ofsted said to me as i will also be watching my sisters son from april and ofsted lady said make sure you have other children as well as she can only grade with them not relatives or own children, but i have a 7 month old starting end of feb x x x

good luck hope you have some more children your way soon x x x

My first inspection 2004 i only had my grandson on the day the inspector came and i got good which was the highest grade at the time.

I have been told now you have to have other than related children. Someone also told me that i don't have to follow EYFS with grandchildren but i do anyway i treat them the same as my other mindee's.

Angela

If you mind relatives and only take the money tax credit has awarded them 80% what about the other 20% going through your books I mean. What if tax credits call you and ask how much they are paying? what do you say just the 80% or 100%?

I look after my nephew 5 mornings a week and when Mrs Ofsted comes, why does she need to know that he is related to me? I treat him exactly the same as any other mindee (he is 16 months old).
The other mindees are all at school and my nephew is not here when I pick them up from school.
If she comes when the mindees are here in the afternoon I know that my son will play up, he did at my last inspection.Also she might still be here when my hubby comes home and to be honest I wouldn't want that to happen.
Ofsted really ennoy me they seem to make rules up to suit themselves,and change the goal posts.:(

I guess if you are being paid for them then they are a mindee, if you aren't then they are a visitor, like if your child had a friend over, you wouldn't have to follow EYFS for them would you.

I would be careful about telling tax credits an amount and then only charging what tax credits actually give, because its fraud. Nobody gets 100% childcare through the tax credit system.

Good luck with the new enquiry - hope it works out for you

Miffy xx