Changing ratios - variations - a reminder

I have received a lot of messages recently about whether childminders can look after 5 or even 6 little ones routinely, starting now.

The answer is ‘no - absolutely not - you cannot do this!!’

The rules about variations have NOT changed.

You MUST follow the rules in the EYFS statutory requirements - 3.27 - 3.41.

You can ONLY change the conditions of your registration for continuity of care - in exceptional circumstances...

... and before you change the conditions of your registration you must work through a process that includes risk assessing the change you intend to make and discussion with parents.

This document explains the main rules about variations - Variations2012

This document has a sample risk assessment and lots of other information - Changes to Conditions of Registration

Both documents were proofed by Ofsted so we know they are right to date (05.2013).

I can’t possibly read every thread on here and reply to every post so please, if you see a ratio question which is not answered - or which is answered incorrectly - report it so it is flagged up in moderators.

Thank you xx

Thanks Sarah. I feel like printing your message and handing it out to so many childminders.

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Originally Posted by jackie 7

Thanks Sarah. I feel like printing your message and handing it out to so many childminders.

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I have saved it as a bookmark as an aide-memoir for myself and to copy the link on other threads when questions are raised.

Bump for Katie - take a look through this x

Thank you Sarah,

Wish they had firmed up numbers and not left it so wispy washy when the revised eyfs came in.

I have had so many minders ask me recently if they can start with new numbers now! NO - we are fighting it coming in still - please!

Also, am I right in thinking that if the new ratios do come in, it will apply only to higher qualified staff in nurseries OR those childminders who are registered to an agency? Not to ANY childminder as the higher qualifications rule hasn't so far been applied to them in proposals.?

another sneaky way to get CM's to join agencies :panic:

Thank you for that sarah x

I have used Sarah's docs when I had to apply variations. All parents read and signed and kept in file. I think it could be frowned upon if a minder was up to 5 or 6 and I would not want to risk triggering a complaint or inspection by doing so. Mine was for 1 hour 3 days a week term time only due to changing hours.

I went to a local park last week and a CM had 5 under 5's.,..,,,shocjed

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Originally Posted by The Juggler

Also, am I right in thinking that if the new ratios do come in, it will apply only to higher qualified staff in nurseries OR those childminders who are registered to an agency? Not to ANY childminder as the higher qualifications rule hasn't so far been applied to them in proposals.?

another sneaky way to get CM's to join agencies :panic:

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We do not have any confirmation on that one for childminders Juggler - it is just another conspiracy theory at the moment x

Can I ask a question as we have a bit of confusion down here in the West Country x I was under the impression as long as everything was risk assessed and discussed etc we could decide on our own variation without consulting ofsted at all! A childminder here said ofsted told her recently that we need to inform ofsted every time we make a decision to vary? This seems so backwards?

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Originally Posted by Vickster

I went to a local park last week and a CM had 5 under 5's.,..,,,shocjed

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They may have had more under continuity of care. Not that I would do it though!

Thanks! That's great. Ill have a look

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Originally Posted by Carls

Can I ask a question as we have a bit of confusion down here in the West Country x I was under the impression as long as everything was risk assessed and discussed etc we could decide on our own variation without consulting ofsted at all! A childminder here said ofsted told her recently that we need to inform ofsted every time we make a decision to vary? This seems so backwards?

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No that's not right. Ofsted will refer you back to the EYFS wording. You do not need to inform Ofsted every time you wish to vary but you still must stick to the rules as outlined by Sarah in post number one of this thread :thumbsup:

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Originally Posted by sarah707

We do not have any confirmation on that one for childminders Juggler - it is just another conspiracy theory at the moment x

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:laughing:
i wouldnt be surprised if this is a sneaky way to 'force' us to join.

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Originally Posted by Carls

Can I ask a question as we have a bit of confusion down here in the West Country x I was under the impression as long as everything was risk assessed and discussed etc we could decide on our own variation without consulting ofsted at all! A childminder here said ofsted told her recently that we need to inform ofsted every time we make a decision to vary? This seems so backwards?

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you can but you have to risk assess each variation and it can ONLY be done for exceptional circumstances as previously (when we had to apply to ofsted) so i.e. continuity of care, for siblings, twin babies but NOT new business.

The new ratios being proposed would be a blanket coverage to have 4 under 5. :thumbsup:

Many thanks Sarah.

at the moment if i need a variation, i do fill in a risk assessment form etc, but i always ask myself, 'would ofsted have approved this?' if ofsted wouldn't have, then i say no!

that said, i do have alot of experience of ofsted granted variations and think i have probably already had a variation for most scenarios in the past!

really useful thread. Thank you!