Advice: Can nanny-share look after two babies at the same time?

[Saila]

Hello

I've heard that childminders may only look after children of staggered ages e.g. a baby & toddler and not two babies

Is this true?

Is this the same for nannies?

What about twins?

Many thanks

[minder]

Childminders are usually only registered to look after one baby under a year old. There are exceptions to this, of course, in the case of twins. Also many childminders already looking after a baby may get an enquiry and want to take on another one.

Whatever the case, we have to write to Ofsted asking permission. We have to fill in a timetable stating the times when the two babies are together. Also have we got the right equipment, and how we will meet the physical, emotional demands of two under 1's.

I've been given permission twice so it happens all the time.

I don't know the case with nannies.

[ceebeebee]

Nannies do not have to be regulated by Ofsted (currently, although they may in future) and often do look after two babies at same time. I did a nanny share with another family with my first baby which worked well. The issue with childminders is that they often look after other children at various times of the day as well, so you could potentially have 2 babies PLUS older children after school or during the day which would be quite tough.