registering as a food business (worried)

[dawntom]

Hi all, after finally getting round to speaking to someone today about this I am really worried.

My first children have started with me this week and I have not registered as a food business. I assumed as I wasn't providing food it wouldn't be a problem. I didn't realise I had to register 28 days before I opened. Obviously I am open now what do I do? Do I just put on the form that I am new and the date I started or the date 28 days from now. Or do I put that I am not a new business and then it dosen't ask me for a date?

I am really worried and don't want to have to shut down before I even get going. Also it puts into place all these things which I really don't want to have to worry about in my own home like paper towels, different sinks for different things.

Hope this makes sense and someone can help me

[dawntom]

also wondered if i have to let ofsted know that i have children on my books, can't remember if i dreamt this or that is what they told me?

[sing-low]

Similar thing happened to me. I think some councils say it has to be 28 days in advance and some don't. I would suggest that you register asap - is it an online form? And then once you've submitted the form, give them a ring. That seemed to speed up the process of having a visit. I don't know where you stand legally. Do you have a Development Officer you could ring for advice?

As far as the different sinks etc., the inspection I had was quite helpful with advice to make that work at home. I do get frustrated with how much paper towel I use but it's just part of what you have to do to keep the children safe with regards to hygiene.

I didn't let Ofsted know once I had children on my books. Wasn't mentioned at pre-reg so I think you're ok with that one!

[line6]

I registered as a food business after I started working - I think I had to do it within 28days of starting. I got a call from a really nice guy about 6 weeks later and as I don't prepare any hot good a visit wasn't necessary. He have me some tips like use gloves when taking children to toilet/nappy changing and not to rely on my electronic fridge telling me the right temp then sent out my 'report' in the post. I had to send in a copy of the Basic Food Hygiene certificate which I did online through Pacey and he asked me to let him know if I do start serving anything more than a slice of toast for example.

[dawntom]

thanks for the advice both. I have submitted the form so we will see what happens. I emailed the man I spoke to and he said don't worry send the completed form and he will get it sorted. Hopefully I have done it right . I have a development officer who has a pparently been trying to contact me, but only got voice message and no contact number for her. May call early years Monday if she dosen't contact me by tomorrow.

Thanks again

[bunyip]

Technically you may have done it the wrong way round, and your LA might prefer you to have registered before opening - but I suspect they're probably grateful you've contacted them at all. My EHO told me they do spot checks on some takeaways/restaurants that have never even bothered to register even though food is all they do! If my inspector is anything to go by, thy should be reasonably relaxed with you as a CM who is willing to cooperate and they shouldn't make a fuss over the timing.

Depending on your LA, the EHO may wish to carry out a straightforward inspection of your premises together with a simple interview to assess your knowledge and practice. Sounds daunting, but really it isn't. I got the top rating, which left Mrs Bunyip peeing her pants with laughter (she reckons I can't boil an egg without burning the water. )

You're classed as a 'food business' if you provide anything more than fresh water, so it's pretty much unavoidable.

You'll need a copy of Safer food, better business for childminders. You can download the pack from the link:
Food Standards Agency - Safer food, better business for childminders

or phone the Food Standards Agency on 020 7276 8829 to enquire about a printed copy, if they still have stock.

Each LA has it's own requirements, so call them to ask. Hope all goes well and good wishes with the new venture.

[dottylotty]

I am in Hertfordshire and you don't have to register as a good business in my area of you are a childminder. So I am not registered and I provide food. I would check your local LA.

[Handymum]

Dottylotty I live in Hertfordshire also and I was told it was a legal requirement that you register as a food business even if u are just giving drinks and snacks. I think it would be best if u called the LA and double checked. They gave me a folder called "safer food, better business for childminder" which has been really helpful.

[Tealady]

We have to register, but it took them 6 months for them to come out. They aren't fussed about CM's and only do it because they have to. The lady said "they have bigger fish to fry". I did get a confirmation letter to show Ofsted that they had my paperwork, however I was registered pre-EYFS so was open before registering by default.

[rickysmiths]

I am in Hertfordshire and you don't have to register as a good business in my area of you are a childminder. So I am not registered and I provide food. I would check your local LA.

Oh yes you do have to Register in Hertfordshire and have had to for 3 or 4 years now! I don't know who told you not to Register but they are wrong and I suggest you contact your local Environmental Health Officer as soon as possible!

Having said that only about 5 out of the 50 cms in my town have ever had a visit and I have never had one. We just had to fill in a form and return it and I have since had two questionnaires to fill in.

[dottylotty]

Just going on what I was emailed.

image-2798251887.jpg

[Handymum]

Just going on what I was emailed.

<img src="http://www.childmindinghelp.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=8019"/>

I think they have it wrong, I phoned them direct and was told it was a legal requirement. They were round within a couple of weeks with information packs for me