Gezabel Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 Ok you lovely people I think I know the answer to this but am interested to see if others agree!! If a setting is registered to open from 8-6 and the 'odd' child arrives at 8am (3 at the maximum) and the vast majority of children arrive at 9:15 is it necessary to have at least two members of staff present from 8am? or is it OK for the manager to be on her own with up to 3 children for up to half an hour until other staff arrive at 8:30 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inge Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 you need 2 staff...... that is the minimum staff you can have with children in your care... even 1 or 2 Inge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest roopal Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 yes, Inge is right. we sometimes have only 1 or 2 children for a while but must have at least 2 staff, one of whom must have level 3 or above. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
narnia Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 Definately 2 members of staff........................no question. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shiny Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 2 members of staff are a must!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarlettangel Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 2 members of staff at least means you are covered if any accusations of any sort are made x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunnyday Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 Oh yes - 2 Sunnyday Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 I also think about the "what if.." if something were to happen to the staff member who was alone whilst in charge of the child(ren). Suppose the member of staff were taken ill suddenly, who would take care of them and the children? Unlikely circumstance I know but .... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cait Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 There's just me and a committee member most mornings, other staff take their own children to school so can't be with me. Parents are made aware that this is the case, it's usually only 5 or 10 minutes max Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gezabel Posted March 4, 2009 Author Share Posted March 4, 2009 Many thanks for your replies. I feel a bit of a twit for asking in the first place, but today was one of those days where I was questioning everything and doubting my ability to answer anything! You have confirmed what I knew and thanks again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunnyday Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 Many thanks for your replies. I feel a bit of a twit for asking in the first place, but today was one of those days where I was questioning everything and doubting my ability to answer anything! You have confirmed what I knew and thanks again Oh you have days like that too - thought it was just me! Sunnyday Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cait Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 It can be very hard, first thing, when staff have other commitments and can also be held up at school, but I think that so long as we remain sensible and aware or potential pitfalls, there are ways round it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyMaz Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 (edited) There's just me and a committee member most mornings, other staff take their own children to school so can't be with me. Parents are made aware that this is the case, it's usually only 5 or 10 minutes max I guess that so long as your committee members fit the criteria of a suitable person, and are able to be counted as part of your adult:child ratios (and can be left in sole charge of a small group of children, or accompany others to the toilet etc) then you're covered. If this isn't the case, even if parents are aware of what is happening, then Mrs Ofsted is likely to have other ideas! Do your committee members take it in turn to do this with you or do you always have the same person? You have to admire their commitment to turn up and do this kind of thing really - because obviously without them the children would need to start later in the morning to allow your staff time to get to work! One benefit to having a committee? Maz Edited March 4, 2009 by HappyMaz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cait Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 She is a parent of a child, it's always the same one and she's CRB enhanced as she's on our Management Committee. Ofsted have been whilst it happened with no problem. It'll all change in September though - we'll have to think of something else then! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alison Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 your right there has to be two staff or rather 2 adults over 18, provided the first person is a level 3 CRB fit person cleared by ofsted to be left in charge the rules are very flexible as to who the second person can be, even a rota mum can count ! its more to make sure there are 2 people in the work place which is a h & S requirement anyway I always think its a bit unfair when childminders are permitted to work alone day in day out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 its more to make sure there are 2 people in the work place which is a h & S requirement anyway Very interested in this comment. One staff member left behind to tidy up room while other 2 staff take children to lunch club at school next door. Should this be allowed? Cant see the comm deciding that there have to be 2 staff! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beau Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 As far as I'm aware there is no requirement for there to be two members of staff working at all times, unless they are looking after children. If there are no children present then one person is fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alison Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 sorry my mistake about the two people in the work place I misunderstood what had been said to me there are times when H&S requirements state there should be two staff in the work place but it depends what the person is doing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 Geraldine - how could you ever doubt yourself!! ( ) Two absolute minimum with children!! Sue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cait Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 I'm sure I've read something that states that no-one should be on the premises alone. I often am as I'm cleaning or doing odd bits of paperwork, but I'm always locked in and text my deputy when I leave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 7, 2009 Share Posted March 7, 2009 the other important issue here is one of procting yourself and not leaving yourself open to any kind of allegations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gezabel Posted March 7, 2009 Author Share Posted March 7, 2009 Geraldine - how could you ever doubt yourself!! ( ) Sue I knew as I was typing the question what the answer was but at the time it was just one of those days where if you had asked my name I would have hesitated!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cait Posted March 7, 2009 Share Posted March 7, 2009 UGH we all get those! During songtime yesterday I segued from 5 little caterpillars sitting on a leaf into 5 snails slither slowly! haha one little caterpillar fell asleep - when he woke up, found that he could fly now there's ........... 3 little snails came outside to peep Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 7, 2009 Share Posted March 7, 2009 Two staff at all times....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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