co- childminder or assistants?

Hi,

Was wondering if any-one has any knowledge of using the above to maximise their numbers and whether Ofsted allow this??

Do you also have to take into account the size(s) of rooms available? How can you work it out?

Also has any-one been given permission to have another child outside the ratio? e.g. another 2-3 yr old?

Hope this makes sense?

Sarah x

[watgem]

I don't know about assistants but I have got permission from Ofsted to go over my numbers. I rang them up and they put me in touch with the variation request team, I had to fill out a form giving details of the childrens ages and the reasons behind this and the dates/times etc and for how long I needed this. They were very helpful and ammended my registration within about a month. I suppose it just depends on why you need it and you need to be able to demonstrate that you can responsibly care for the extra children and have consent from other parents . Hope this helps and good luck!

[sarahnev707]

I'm trying to register a co-minder for after school and holidays and they're making it very very difficult. Also will apparently have to apply for planning permission from council which will cost £30, extra insurance etc etc - was hoping he'd be registered for the summer holidays but the way it's going not so sure - think I'll only get one extra place out of it as well cos of the size of the house!!
Sarahx

If you have an assistant that is not a relative I believe that you have to pay them the minimum wage and sort out their tax and national insurance.

They might end up earning more than you!!

If two minders work together in one home then you do have to get permission from the council, someone I know was turned down because they felt that the parking would be a problem as they lived in a cul-de-sac

Hope that helps

Hi Sarah

A little follow up to this that might help you.

My husband has recently registered with Ofsted to work as my assistant.

We can now have 5 children under 5, including 2 under age 1, when working together

Although he had a CRB check when I first registered back in the 80's he had to have an Enhanced check to become an assistant.

The whole process from enquiring with Ofsted to him becoming registered took just 3 weeks and 3 days.

Hope that helps.

[sarahnev707]

well... it's over a month since my last post and we're still no further on!

Still waiting for my CRB at his house??????? Hmmm Ofsted a little confused there methinks - it's his CRB for my house...

Then there's the doctor who wants £50 for a form which says he shouldn't really be left in sole charge of children cos he's ....well.... a man really......and although he's bringing up his own children single-handed well... you know... he is a man.....and he might get stressed

Then Ofsted lost the forms ...

Then his 16 year old might / might not / doesn't / definitely does / not sure so we'll return the forms / send them back this minute we need them.... need an enhanced CRB

Oh and the First Aid course has come through but if he takes it and doesn't get registered cos of the doc's comments he'll have to pay for it but he's got to do it while it's in the area cos there won't be another one

And of course the ICP needs booking but he can't until he's got further on with Ofsted or he'll have to pay it back......

Then the insurance co rang last week wanting to insure him - but Surestart seem to be moving 3x as fast as Ofsted so back those forms have to go - no they can't tell me who they're sending them back to, so I can't ring the person when we're ready - data protection and all that!!!!

Patience is a virtue!! Sarahx and a sense of humour helps!! :laughing:

Originally Posted by sarahnev707

..

Then there's the doctor who wants £50 for a form which says he shouldn't really be left in sole charge of children cos he's ....well.... a man really......and although he's bringing up his own children single-handed well... you know... he is a man.....and he might get stressed

Good gracious £50??!! Mine can have sole care and he's a man (well he was when I last looked!) and there was no charge from the doc!

Good luck

Originally Posted by Sarah1

Do you also have to take into account the size(s) of rooms available? How can you work it out?

There are minimum space per child ratios listed in the Childminding National Standards Book