I have an 8 month old and a 2 year old and have been asked if i can have my friends 2 year old twins one day a week, however this will take my over my 3 under the age of 5 numbers, I have had the twins a few times without payment as a favour and my friend has cared for my two also, the twins are a pleasure to care for, very easy going happy little tots!
Ofsted have told me I cannot have 4 under 5 and Im not 100% sure about variation as I am only pre-reg at the moment.
Can anyone shed any light on possible solutions for me as I'd hate for my friend to have to go elsewhere when the twins already settle with us so well?
Any ideas will be welcomed.
thanks

I believe Ofsted won't usually give a variation for new children. If the twins were already placed with you (on another day) then Ofsted will consider giving you a variation if they are changing their hours and this will take you over 4, to allow continuity of care. You will need to show them that you can look after 4 and that you have sufficient equipment to do so - pushchair, highchair, cots, etc.

Are the 8 month old and the 2 year old your children becuase them its always going to be new business so its whether or not they will grant you a variation for 4 under 5s before you have started childminding.

Even though new buisness Ofsted will sometimes give a variation for twins - the problem is going to be that you have to register first.

So options are

Continue with you swap arrangement at the moment

Or maybe become the twins 'nanny' working at their own home until you are registered and then apply for a variation.

If Ofsted don't give you a variation you could continue being their nanny on that day and childmind the other days.

Or you could consider working with a co minder or an assistant in your home so could have more under fives between you.

Hope it works out for you

Penny :)

Ofsted have told me I cannot have 4 under 5 and Im not 100% sure about variation as I am only pre-reg at the moment.


Have you already asked Ofsted if you can mind the twins and been turned down?

I think Penny has given you some good advice - Ofsted may view the case of twins differently to other new business so it's definitely worth asking but might be easier to wait until after you are registered.

Miffy xx

thank you for all your replies, I called Ofsted and they told me no 'Variation for New Business', which as a newbie I asked them to explain and they just confused me more!
My hubby works shifts so is often around on the days I have been asked to mind them, so he's going to register as an assistant, however do you think its likely that once the twins have been coming a while with my hubby assisting that ofsted may then grant me a variation so I could care for them on my own? Does anyone have any experience of this?

Each case is different and Ofsted take a lot of things into consideration - so really can not say.

However

I was registered for 6 with my DD as my full time assistant from Jan 10 - end Aug 10, then we lost 2 full timers and my DD decided that she would take the opportunity to leave and try to secure a teaching post.

This left me with 6 children on my books and needing to have 4 of them each day. I put in for a variation and was granted it.

It included a set of full time twins but I put in for continuity of care for 2 of the other part children - as these were the ones who I would have to give notice to if I had not got the variation.

So it can happen - but as I have already said - Ofsted take a lot of things into consideration.

Penny :)

Just wanted to say Good luck hope it all works out for you

Keep us updated

Angel xx