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Paid childcare

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Starting up as a childminder- advice.

26 replies

4mogirl · 07/06/2018 19:45

Hello, I am starting up as a childminder and was looking for advice from other childminders/ parents who use a childminder.

Childminders:
What information do you wish the parents told you, or what rule/condition do you wish you had set before you started, that would have saved a lot of hassle later on?
What toys/ activities would you recommend/ not recommend getting before I start?
All being well I’ll be having children between 1 year and 4 years old.

Parents:

What do you look for in a childminder, what activities do you like them to do with your child?
Is there anything a childminder does that you don’t like?

Anyone else got any other advice that might help?

Thank you.Smile

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat · 07/06/2018 19:53

In a rush so excuse bullet points.

  • payment in advance. No excuses. Even the nicest people can screw your over.
  • be strict about early drop offs/ late pick ups if it matters to you. It does to me because I have my own children who need me after work but some minders don’t mind.
  • don’t get too many toys. You’ll be surprised how little you need. I have far far too much and finding it hard to get rid. Place just gets trashed some days.
  • don’t hold out for full timers. Part timers will often slot together beautifully and it can be better to spread your income and vary your week.
  • get out and make friends. Do something each day otherwise the job can be lonely.
  • stay on top of paperwork. It can get on top of you really quickly if you don’t.

I’ll probably think of more! Good luck!

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