Any ex-teachers become childminders?

[bangingmyheadoffabrickwall]

Just that really! This is my third post about this to varying degrees elsewhere on MN!

I have had growing thoughts about becoming a childminder since I returned to work in 2012 after the birth of my eldest. Now it is becoming a possibility as I am on the verge of handing in my notice.

I was wondering about how long it took from ending your teaching career to obtaining the registration, whether you had to do 'all' the childminding courses or certain modules and what you did to set everything up.

So much to consider but I would love to hear any positive, success stories about the career switch.

[guiltypleasureJK]

Yes and no!
Did a teaching degree but never taught as didn't enjoy the degree.
Have childminded for 8+ years.
Had to do the whole course as its a diploma into home based childcare so teaching modules not relevant.
When I did the course it was 20 hours but I believe you can do it online now.
Took around 5 months from starting the course, to registering, to having ofsted come out and do my pre registration and me being able to start minding.
I found it much easier than most people to deal with the paperwork and eyfs side of childminding as many childminders have no previous "official" childcare experience, although a lot are mums!
I'm currently taking a year off on maternity leave and debating going back or finding something new!

[bangingmyheadoffabrickwall]

Thanks. I have read about the paperwork but TBH being a teacher, I am used to paperwork!
I had read that someone rang OFSTED and they said that teaching is 'more than enough' yet their website doesn't list it as one of their exempt qualifications.

I am fine doing the course. I have no qualms about it but would like the whole process to be quick!

Is it possible to do all this whilst teaching? I teach part time but giving up and starting means best part of a year with no income.

[guiltypleasureJK]

The course that I did was 2 hours, one evening a week. Although friends who have done the online pacey course have just dibbed into the course here and there.
Easily done when working full time, I was working 50 hours a week in a nursery when I did the course!
The course basically ensures you are ready for pre registration so helps you through risk assessing your home, ensures you know who needs a dbs, ensures you have policies and procedures in place in order to become registered. Plus you need a 12 hour paediatric first aid course and valid insurance before you start. I recommend Morton Michel and you can buy paperwork such as contracts, medicine forms and accident forms from them when you first start up to make it easier.

[LunaLambBhuna]

Yes, I did exactly that and now I'm back teaching in a school that suits me better.

I left a large academy chain, thinking I would never teach again. I was full of hopes for my new role but the grass certainly wasn't greener.

I was bored silly and it just wasn't for me. I think my own kids missed out more on stuff as a result of childminding than they did when I was teaching.

I wouldn't particularly recommend it from my experience. However, there are people who have made the change and love it.