I applied for a variation over 2 weeks ago and need the first part of my variation request to start on Monday next week. So far I've had nothing from Ofsted except for the automated email response. I don't bother ringing as I find they never seem to know what I'm asking/know how to deal with my queries. It's for an existing child whose parents' work hours have changed and it means that for 3 hours on a Monday (when my child is at playschool) I will have one extra child. I already have a variation for 4 under 5 on a Thursday so would hope this would be a no-brainer.

Anyone else finding response times a pain at the moment?

it can take up to 6 weeks sorry. i would ring them asking to hurry it up they may grant it over phone and send you a confirmation email. your certificate would then be with you very soon. it is so anoying isnt it hope you get it sorted quickly.:)

I requested a variation aswell, they say it is with them for atleast 14 days before it can be chased up. Mine has been with them for 15 days but I have been ringing every couple of days, they did try and put me through to an inspector but they were busy. Apparently they have a back log at the moment, I would ring and ask them to chase it now as it has been 2 weeks.

I've just had mine granted. was with them for 5 weeks in the end. Chased a couple of times and eventullay was granted over the phone and certificate arrive 3 days later!!:rolleyes:

I called them after 14 days only to be told their 14 days had started on a different date from when it was registered with them. When I called back after the next date they hadnt even looked at it.:angry: In the end someone called me back and authorised it over the phone. I would keep chasing!!

Oh joy! Thanks for your replies. Looks like I may be on the phone to them in the morning then. Last time I applied they were really quick and it was granted in time even though I had little notice of the change from my client.

Fingers crossed!

Thanks again

NM x

I'm not sure but I read in other threads as it can take up to 6 weeks. You may consider to give them a call, it may speed the process

I had mine within 24 hours. They agreed over the phone, then sent me a letter the next day.

Its 14 working days from when they get it that they have to respond in. They like to use all those days as well. Keep checking on the Ofsted site as they put mine on there instead of contacting me then it was a few days after this that I got the certificate.

I called and chased them on Friday and they said it was in their system but not been dealt with :rolleyes: I've asked them to chase it but realised afterwards that I have a couple of weeks breathing space as one of the children is away so I won't be over my numbers :thumbsup: Fingers crossed though - but it's for a sibling of a child I've had for 2 years so will hopefully be ok.

good luck with your variation, sorry to jump on your post but how do you go about it, i may need 4 under 5 for sept and wondered if i could request it now instead of nearer the time? do they specify dates or is it a general addition to numbers?

Hi Tammy

I called them and explained the situation and they emailed me the form I needed to fill out - letting me know which sections are applicable. My current one isn't date specific but it is specific to 'named children' - they have a record of the children on my variation request but it's not on my certificate. Basically it says I can currently go over my numbers on a Thursday for the named children until those named children leave.

I don't suppose it would hurt to apply sooner rather than later but they need spefic details about the children you need the variation for - names and dates of birth and days/hours they will be attending.

Hope this helps!

NM x

I am wanting a variation is September to take on a little boy with additional needs. This will mean I have 2 under 1's for 7 weeks until one of them turns 1. I phoned Ofsted for some advice and was nearly laughed at for wanting to apply for it now. I was told that they won't look at it until 2 weeks befor it's needed anyway. I did tell him that was no good as Mum would have to try to find someone else to have her son if they didn't grant the variatio
I am going to apply after half term and Mum is getting a letter from their consultant to say
why she wants me to have him.

mine took 4 weeks, you have to list who you want to look after and days/tim es but mine was to have 2 under 1's, when the inspector called she asked if it was certain days or flexible so i said flexible so it covers me all the time

:clapping: :clapping: :clapping: YAY!!! A lovely lady from Ofsted called me this morning and my variation has been granted! I am allowed to have 4 under 5s on a Monday and Tuesday (as well as Thursday which was granted last year) AND that includes 2 under 1's!!!! They said with the 2 under 1 variation that it would be permanent to save me ringing if the children swap days or anything. She was really lovely and was very helpful - which is unusual for Ofsted!!!;)

That's great news!!

I spoke to a very cheery lady at Ofsted this morning - not at all helpful, but very cheerful :rolleyes: