Half day reception

[bec258]

Does anyone know how Ofsted view children in reception, but initially only attending half days? I have a lady coming to sign tomorrow with twins starting at my daughter's school, half day til Xmas, then only after school, term time only. I have now been contacted by someone who wants me to have her 4 year old (starting at same school) on one afternoon a week, and her baby for 2 mornings and one whole day. I'm registered for two under five and two over, plus my own children (6 years and ten months). If the 3 going into reception were at a school where they didn't do half days to start, they'd be in the older age group, and I'd be able to mind all of them together in the holidays and after school . It's a very grey area! If this lady's interested, i'll apply for a waiver, but wanted to know the likelihood of getting it.

Many thanks!

[EmmaReed84]

I am pretty sure they are only classed as rising 5 when they are FULL time. I had this a 4yr old who didn't go full time until Jan, I couldn't sign her until then as it would have meant I was over on my numbers x

Best place to call is Ofsted xx

[sarah707]

A child has to attend full time, 10 sessions a week school before they are classed as rising 5.

However, from Sept 1st when the revised EYFS becomes law there are changes to the way variations are organised.

See the variations document in free downloads at the top of the forum for more information

[bec258]

Thanks for the replies. I'll see how discussions go, then give Ofsted a call. It looks like I may be able to do it under the new EYFS, but will have to wait and see guess.

[sarah707]

Thanks for the replies. I'll see how discussions go, then give Ofsted a call. It looks like I may be able to do it under the new EYFS, but will have to wait and see guess.

Ofsted will not want to talk to childminders about variations / exceptions to numbers from September.

They will refer you to the statutory requirements.

hth

[bec258]

Oh ok. So is it basically a matter of guesswork or we call someone else. Apologies for all the questions- I'm new to all this. I read the information in the downloads and it looks like I may be able to, but not set in stone obviously.

[Rebecca Foster]

Hi

I would contact ofsted, just be on the safe side. That way no mistakes can be made.

[Penny1959]

Please note Sarah's reply - Ofsted WILL NOT advise on numbers (variations) for anything after 1st Sept.


It is right that we have to make these decisions ourselves - and we have to apply all the rules of EYFS in doing so.

It is our own responsibility to get it right - difficult sometimes especially when deciding if able to meet all the needs of all the children - but no one can / will tell you - we are not able to because we do not know the children, your setting and so on.

Sarah and I (and others) have produced information to help guide people with this and in the case of Sarah and myself have had our information checked by Ofsted.

I understand that you are all going to have a lot of questions and that we all can't quite believe that after years of having to ask 'permission' we suddenly don't have to - but

Ofsted will refer you back to the EYFS

Sarah and I will refer you back to the information already provided

Anyone not sure should wait for the Ofsted guidance to come out

Penny