I have noticed on here that alot of people have gained variations so that they can care for more children than is normally allowed eg 2 babies under 1 or 4 under 5's. I was just wondering how easy it is to get a variation and what do you have to do to prove that you are capable of having more children.

The reason I ask is that a friend of mine has asked me if I would have her baby when she goes back to work in January when baby will be 11 months but it means waiting all that time having to keep that space for her when I am getting lots of enquiries and could have already filled it 3 times! As it is I am full on Wednesdays so may need to ask if I can have an extra under 5. In that case I would have my own son (3) a 22 month old, a 15 month old and this 11 month old. Wonder if they would allow it?

Thanks Sophie

Hi im not sure but i think they only allow it if its for continuity of care, you may be ok though if its only for 1 day a week. im sure someone else will probably know more than me.:)

I have recently been granted a variation which allows me to have 4 under 5's (for 2 days a week) until Sept when one starts full time school.
Mine was for a new child - no continuity of care - but they do tend to only give them for that or a sibling of an existing mindee.

To get mine, I wrote a letter detailing exactly why I wanted it and when. I also enclosed a chart showing my day as a couple of the children attend pre-school so would not physically be with me for some of the time.
Finally, I sent copies of risk assessments I did showing how I would incorporate the extra child i.e. doing the school run safely, feeding them all etc etc.

I got a phone call about a week later saying if it wasn't for continuity of care then it was a no. I told them I had already completed 2 settling in sessions with the child so they went away to think about it, and a week later my new certificate arrived!
I think if you give them as much info as possible showing them how you can competently care for the extra number, they are quite fair (I may be biased tho as I got mine :) )


I always think it's worth a try - the worst that can happen is they say no, and you appeal it.

Good luck!

I asked for a child to overlap for 4hrs and it got turned down as it wasn't continuity of care.

He has been with me nearly 6wks and this mum wants him to come full time to me as he has been with another minder the other days and so far its taken ofsted 3wks and still no answer, I keep ringing and getting letters saying that its waiting for the inspection manager to view the case.

I dont think they like to do it unless its continuity of care with a sibling.

its taken ofsted 3wks and still no answer, I keep ringing and getting letters saying that its waiting for the inspection manager to view the case.

That's not good - it does seem to depend on whose desk your request lands on which is a shame..... I guess I was very lucky then....

I got a variation for 2 under 1's the inspector who did my initial inspection rang me within a day and asked whether I had sufficient equipment ie car seats,high chairs,travel cots that sort of thing when she was happy she said she will request approval with her manager and I got the certificate within about 10 days, that was about 5 months ago.

I asked for a child to overlap for 4hrs and it got turned down as it wasn't continuity of care.

He has been with me nearly 6wks and this mum wants him to come full time to me as he has been with another minder the other days and so far its taken ofsted 3wks and still no answer, I keep ringing and getting letters saying that its waiting for the inspection manager to view the case.

I dont think they like to do it unless its continuity of care with a sibling.


I got a variation last year for a new child. I agree with georgie456. You need to write a clear letter and a grid of who you have, when and ages is good.

You must ring and ask to speak to someone in the Early years Team, just firmly insist, they shoud have contacted you by now.

I am terrible though I won't take no for an answer!! Last autumn I ended up complaining about being refused a variation for a new starter. It went to a panel meeting-a meeting with me, a manager from the Compliance team in Nottingham and two area inspectors, one of whom was the one who had refused the original request :eek: :eek:

It was scary!! I made sure I had all the info about the children I mind and their hours. All my parents had been amazed at the first refusal and wrote fantastic letters of support explaining how me looking after a 16week old would be positive for their children. The mum of the child wrote a letter as well. Off I went, the meeting was held near my home, not in Nottinham and at a time that was helpful for me as well. My husband came with me to the meeting, you are allowed to have someone.

Well by the end of the meeting, I had my Variation, an apology from the inspector who had refused at first and the mum was over the moon.:clapping: :clapping:

Ok thanks for all the replies looks like there's not much point in me going for a variation lol! I will just tell my friend I can't have her lo on Wedesdays unless things change before January.

Actually I got a text from her yesterday saying that she is thinking about using the day nursery at the college where she works as a lecturer (easier for her as she's on site and the nursery is excellent) but she doesn't want baby to be there all the time so would like me to have her too which suits me fine.