I am only allowed 2 under 8. The inspector gave the reason why I couldn't have full numbers as I have limited space and 3 over 8's (my own) . I have 5 children of my own - 3,5,10,11 and 12. I use downstairs for minding which includes (apart from kitchen, garden and toilet) 2 rooms, 1 is about 10 square meter and the other about 16. I want to ask this to be changed to 2 under 5 and 1 between 5-8 years. Does this sound unreasonable? Has anyone been in similar situation?

Taken from the variation form I just filled in:

Providers must meet the following space requirements:

 children under two years: 3.5 m2 per child;
 two year olds: 2.5 m2 per child;
 children aged three to five years: 2.3 m2 per child.



When you also take into account your over 8s can you say you have that much space per child? If so then write to them and ask, the worst they can do is say no.

I would ask - they might say no but if you don't ask you'll never know.

I'd be tempted to say that your own older children don't use the rooms registered for minding when you are at work so there would be space for another child etc.

Miffy xx

My 3 oldest are usually upstairs when I am minding and I think there is the required m2 per child as the only furniture taking up floor space is a dinning table, a sofa and a single bed, so I will apply for variation. Does anyone know how long it normally takes before you hear back?

You wont lose anything by asking but if it is because of space they may still say no but they may say yes.

When I first registered my inspector put a restiction on me as I "had no experience" apart from my own two children. The following year I was allowed maximum.

Maximise your free floor space by pushing all furniture back to the walls as this may help your chances along with saying that thee older children are upstairs.

You wont lose anything by asking but if it is because of space they may still say no but they may say yes.

When I first registered my inspector put a restiction on me as I "had no experience" apart from my own two children. The following year I was allowed maximum.

Maximise your free floor space by pushing all furniture back to the walls as this may help your chances along with saying that thee older children are upstairs.

That's interesting with the no experience, maybe there is hope then, as I too haven't worked in childcare before getting registered. As you say I have got nothing to loose by trying.