What on earth should I do next?

[KatyMac]

OK I was here 3 years ago

I got Outstanding from OFSTED & I wanted something more - so I planned opening a Nursery, failed, lost about £25K and ended up depressed and disheartened

So

I got Outstanding again, OFSTED asked me if I sold my paperwork & asked the council to help me expand my practise (they said no)

So what do I do now.....something conservative that requires little financial outlay please??

[Heated]

Can you not become a Head CM Honcho of a region? CM training? Or does CM not have regional affiliations like that?

Or do you want to step away from CM?

Have you had a career's advice - identified transferable skills etc?

[KatyMac]

No careers advice - yet (tho' that could be an option) but I am an ex-civil servant

Not sure I could cope with the internal politics of the CM stuff locally

Don't think I will leave childminding - it will carry on here at home

I have had 'work placement' student come out the woodwork since the latest OFSTED

[Heated]

Would you like to work for Ofsted?

[callmeovercautious]

I agree - become an OFSTED inspector. Specialise in CM.

[KatyMac]

do they pay enough.....could I cope with the bad childminders.....could I be non-advisory

But it's possible I suppose

[callmeovercautious]

Well I am in a different field but "auditors" in our world earn 40k ish. Lots of travel and overnighters involved though.

[KatyMac]

That is lots of money - much more than childminding

Not sure I could leave the children that much tho'

Oh I don't know I am a bit down atm (anti-climax)

[callmeovercautious]

Why not look into it? Perhaps something to do later on and keep CM atm?

[Kafka]

How about NVQ assessor in childcare?

[callmeovercautious]

Good suggestion Kafka - it is an assessing skill so only a step away from Auditing.

I certainly found my NVQ training usful recently when I had to train as an auditor at work.

Sadly I don't do external audits like OFSTED so no huge pay packet

NVQ Assessors around here are on 22K ish.

There are also Colleges and Training providers that might take you PT or freelance so you can work around other commitments.

[KatyMac]

Goodness I had completely forgotten this thread - Thanks for the ideas - I am still undecided