Hi, I'm having a blonde moment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:blush: When Ofsted tell you how many children you can look after does it include or exclude your own children? I think your own are included, is this right? :blush:

Sorry been up with DD since 5.50am and already I've done 3 loads of washing fed and walked my 2 dogs, taken my DD to indoor and outdoor pools and the park. I walked as well, so I think my brain has given up!!!:blush:

From memory Ofsted take into account your own children and the numbers of children listed on your certificate are the amount of minded children you can look after :thumbsup:

:D Thank you, thought so but wasn't 100%

From memory Ofsted take into account your own children and the numbers of children listed on your certificate are the amount of minded children you can look after :thumbsup:

yes this is what i'm aware also!

I was just going to ask the same question!! When the inspector came for the initial visit I was under the impression I could mind 4 children, alongside my own. When I read the wording on the certificate today, it made me think it means INCLUDING my own, which restricts me greatly because I have 2 under 8!! I'm hoping I'm wrong because I've got 2 contracts signed, and other children potentially for after school, and if it means four including my own, I'm full!!

Mine says 4 under 8, including 2 in early years, and includes 1 under 1. My children are 9, 5 and 20 months. Does that mean I could potentially pick up 4 EXTRA children from school who are under 8?????

Confused!! lol.

Louise.xx

Louise, OFSTED allow 6 under 8 of which 3 can be under 5 and only 1 of those 3 under 5 can be under 1.

As you have a 20 month old and a 5 year old that count in your numbers, your certificate will read 4 under 8, of which 2 can be under 5 (early year age group) and of those 2 under 5, only 1 can be under 1.

So you are allowed to mind the number of children it states on your certificate in addition to your own children.

You could mind 4 x 5 year olds but then that would be your 4 minded children and you would not be any children under 5.

Hope that makes sense!

Thank you, that makes more sense now, it's a bit confusing when I read the wording!! I've got 1 4 year old starting school in September who'll be with me before and after school every day, then another 4 year old school child who will be with me after school Monday and Thursday. I've had an enquiry from someone with an 8 and 6 year old who wants them picked up from school Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, which means I'll have 3 under 8, and one of my own, and it looked like I would be over on my numbers. Reading your post has made it clearer, I can actually bring 4 EXTRA children home. Phew!!!! lol. I've promised this lady we'll do a contract after her holiday, so had a massive panic this morning.

Thanks for replying, really appreciate the knowledge you all have :)

Louise.xx

Don't want to confuse you any more Louise but if you're caring for 4 and 5 year olds in full time education you need to write to Ofsted to have a special condition put on your certificate (if it's not already there). Have a look at this thread

http://childmindinghelp.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=57685

Miffy xx