I requested a variation for both me & hubby a few months back.

I'd specifially asked for Weds and Thurs between 9am - 2pm.

We got our certificates through within 2 days I think it was, agreeing to the variation, but when I've had them in the past it's stated my 'normal' allowances - ie 4 under 8, 2 under 2 etc...' then said about the variation on a seperate paragraph.

But - our new certs came through, and say 'At all times...
'may care for no more than 4 children under 8 years; of these, not more than 3 may be in the early years age group, and of these, not more than 1 may be under 1 year at any one time (Early Years Register, compulsory part of the Childcare Register)
when caring for 4 or 5-year-old children who are in full time education, may increase the number in the early years age group by the number of children in full time education, providing the maximum number is not exceeded (Early Years Register)
may provide overnight care for 2 children under 8 years, of these, not more than 1 may be under 1 year at any one time (Early Years Register, compulsory part of the Childcare Register, voluntary part of the Childcare Register)
when working with another childminder at the above premises, may care for a total of no more than 10 children under 8 years; of these, not more than 6 may be in the early years age group, and of these, not more than 2 may be under 1 year at any one time (Early Years Register, compulsory part of the Childcare Register)
(Taken straight from the ofsted website!)

Hubbys was the same.

Can anyone shed any light on whether this sounds like a permanent variation??? There is no 'until the child leaves' or 'for children named on the varitation requested dated xxx'

It's just we have one child who I'm am not sure what is happening with them, and preparing for being given notice. (Job change & house move - although don't know where yet...) And just wondered if I would be allowed to take on another child based on what it says on cert.

We get calls all the time, and it's very hard to turn work away if you have a space - but not sure if we legally do or not.... Anyone else had a variation request come through like this recently?

Just forward planning at the moment....

Thanks xx

How many children have your own have you got?

It certainly looks like it is a general increase in your numbers, not a variation for specific children, so I would say it applies to any children.

But, if your own children make the amount allowed seem unlikely, I would phone and check it.

I should have added, I got a new certificate through last week after a variation and it was very specific - only for named children on a Wednesday, between the hours of 10am-2pm and only until one leaves or moves out of the EY age range.

I got a variation for two x under-ones and it doesn't state whether it is just for the 20 weeks I needed it and I was wondering the same thing. My certificate implies I will always be allowed to have two x under-ones. I would probably call Ofsted just to double check this is the case though!

These days they do give permanment increases - if still within the 'normal amounts - it is when a variation is for more children than normally allowed.

So one mine I have for ever 2 X under 1 on my own, 3 X under one with assistant or co minder, four year old in full time school (can't remember the words)

But time limited for 2 named children - 4 under 5 on my own (even though time limit is for when go to school)

Penny :)

The details stated do not include my own children.

Just reads as a permanent ongoing adjustment to our numbers.

Will have to call and see what they say!

xx

The details stated do not include my own children.

Just reads as a permanent ongoing adjustment to our numbers.

Will have to call and see what they say!

xx

That's how I read it. How old are your children? I assume you have 2? Has one of them recently moved out of the EY age range, so they've increase you EYFS children permanently? What was the variation you were asking for?

We have 3 children. 9, 6 & 2.

Originally my certificate had 4 under 8 with 2 allowed in the early years group (because of my youngest), and when working with hubby 10 under 8, and 5 under 5.

Our children are only taken off my numbers. DH has a stipulation on his which says if he is responsible for his own children, he must reduce his numbers accordingly.

Variation request was for me to have 3 under 5, and 6 under 5 when working together Weds & Thurs, from 9am - 2pm only, due to a parent changing days.

Then I get the above back, which just seems to be - as it says 'At all times...'

xx

I would definitely phone & check it.

We had a local cm who had an error on her certificate & it allowed her more children than she should have had. WHen she had her inspection she was over her numbers & got into trouble for it, even though she had double checked it with Ofsted.

If I were you I would ask if it's correct, if it's a permanent increase in your numbers & if it is, will they explain how you can have that and put it in writing!

It sounds right to me. 3 under 5 when on your own - hubby is in charge of your under 5. When you are together 5 under 6 with either of your responsible for your under 5.

This is a permanent arrangement the way I read it.

it isn't any different to you both working separately unless I a reading it wrong

It sounds right to me. 3 under 5 when on your own - hubby is in charge of your under 5. When you are together 5 under 6 with either of your responsible for your under 5.

This is a permanent arrangement the way I read it.

it isn't any different to you both working separately unless I a reading it wrong

No becuase my own DD was included in my numbers before the variation, and the certificates now say 6 under 5 when working together, (as this is what I had asked for in the variation for 5 hours on 2 days.) Was previously 5, as DD was counted as one.

Need to call.

xx