Frequently Asked Questions – Childminders

• When must I register to accept the funding?

  It is best to register for funding at the end of a term in preparation for the next term.  There are local conditions of funding which can have a financial impact on registered providers but this is more noticeable for childminders due to the number of children that can attend.

• Must I accept children after the headcount if the parent asks for funded hours?

  We would encourage you to do this if you have capacity and can accommodate the child. Devon County Council has a statutory duty to ensure that there is enough childcare provision for under 5s in Devon and that they are able to access their early years entitlement funding,

• I am minding a child who is related to me and who is eligible for the early education. Will I be funded?

  No. A childminder may not claim funding to care for a child who is related to them.

  The definition of related includes:

  • A parent or step-parent of the child
  • A person with parental responsibility for the child
  • A relative of the child
  • A person who is a local authority foster parent in relation to the child
  • A person who is a foster parent with whom the child has been placed by a voluntary organisation
  • A person who fosters the child privately

  The definition of “relative” in relation to a child means a grandparent, aunt, uncle, brother or sister, whether of full blood or half blood or by marriage or civil partnership.

  Please also refer to the Statutory Guidance for information.

• I will be taking my holiday during headcount week what should I do about claiming?

  Please contact the helpdesk to discuss your circumstances.

  E-mail: eyef@devon.gov.uk Tel: 01392 385530

• I want to attend training on a day when I have funded children attending what should I do?

  If the parent requires childcare, and their child attends another provider, you will need to reduce your termly claim. If a parent doesn’t require alternative childcare, you should offer the funded hours at another time. If this is not possible, you should reduce your termly claim accordingly. Where parents are paying for childcare, this is a private arrangement between you and the parent. Whether you charge for any training days would be dependent on what is written into your contract.

• I won’t have any funded children next term, what should I do?

  If you don’t have any funded children in a term but wish to remain registered for the early years funding, you must submit your headcount and amendment tasks. This is a condition of funding as per our provider agreement. Alternatively, you may wish to temporarily de-register from the early years funding and re-register again once you have more funded children. If you wish to de-register from the funding please email eyef@devon.gov.uk to advise.

• What if I want to stop accepting the funding and wish to de-register?

  It is best for children and parents if you can plan this for the end of the term and give sufficient notice.  Seeking alternative childcare can be time consuming for parents and a change of provision can be disruptive for children so having time to plan the transition is helpful to all.

  You should e-mail the helpdesk giving your name, reason for de-registering and the date when this will take effect.

• What if a parent leaves within the notice period stipulated in my contract?

  There is a maximum of 4 weeks notice on funded time if a provider has a signed contract from the parent to this effect. If a parent leaves part way through the notice period, it may be possible to claim funding for the remainder of the notice. Please refer to our provider agreement for more information. Any notice period on chargeable hours is a private arrangement between a provider and parent.

• I childmind with another childminder. Can we submit one lot of paperwork for both of us?

  No, as you are registered individually with Ofsted we must fund the children that you mind separately. We can, however, make payments into a single bank account.

• I am thinking of registering with a Childminder Agency. How would I claim the funding??

  Childminders who are registered with a childminding agency will register for the early years funding (by completing the provider agreement form) and will be funded directly. Whilst there are currently no childminder agencies with a physical presence in Devon, childminders can register with a nationally operating childminder agency. This is a legal alternative to Ofsted registration. Please visit childminder agencies for more information or GOV.UK for a list of registered childminder agencies.