Hey girlies,

This is probably a long shot but here we go.
Some 10 years ago I made a climbing frame for my G.C.S.E resistant materials course. Its of solid construction and has withstood 3 house moves among other things. We tested it when it was made with teenagers playing on it and it was very rigid. (far more rigid than the ones I looked at when I did my research at local nurseries, way back when) I am looking to become a childminder as I do not want to leave my little one (probably will have to while I get set up) and would like to put my climbing frame to use. Of course it hasn't had any of the official safety standards performed on it. I have no clue where to go from here. Can you use home made toys whilst been a childminder? would liability insurance cover you for home made toys (prob not)
just would hate to see it go to waste. or say to the kids, sorry only my little girl can play on it, or only resort to getting it out when I do not have any other kids here.

I realise I have probably answered my own question, but it would be good to hear other peoples views. When I went to view the facilities at my local nursery (for little one to go to for now) they had shells in a box for children to play with and interact with, pretty sure these haven't been safety tested either!

help! :help::help::help:

Hi

Best of luck with childminding, I'm sure you'll find it very rewarding, as well as getting to stay with your little girl. Before I went on maternity leave, I worked as a teacher at Children's Centres. I talked to a number of childminders, and from that experience I would suspect that when OFSTED come round to register you, they will let you know about the climbing frame.

Best wishes, Beth :)

Every step of training I've had in playwork and childcare (now degree level) says about reasonable or acceptable risk.
If your frame has withstood testing and normal everyday use, it would seem to me that it is within the remit of reasonable and acceptable risk.
It might be wise to test it with the youngest age child you will have, or a toddler if you plan to have lots of littlies, if it's toddler proof and teen proof then you can't go far wrong.
Also (having done the childminding quals too) Ofsted will look for your considerations, if you can evidence that you have paid attention to the likelihood of a child falling off and what you have put in place to prevent serious injury - then they will normally accept that.
Do check with your public liability insurers and make sure you mention it to Ofsted when you get checked. Otherwise, put something on paper about your risk assessment of it (do a normal risk assessment and keep it), take steps to further prevent injury if appropriate and remember that the government are currently saying that children are not faced with enough sensible risk, like climbing on a wall, because of the insane culture developed in the 80's.
Go for it, in fact I'll send my loony twins round for a thorough test run :D

when i have my pre-reg inspection i will mention it and see what they say :D

hi good luck with your childminding all the toys you have you would check on a regular basis to see if there are any that need mending or are broken. Any home made toys i am shore would be ok as long as they are safe and from the sounds of it yours has stood lots of testing when ofsted come to do a house check just mention to them about it and also check with your insurance company.
A good company to use is morton michel as they are specalised in childminding insurance. Hope this helps.

thanks for the advice

i was looking at the ncma package which includes insurance too