Childminding?!

[UrethraFranklin90]

Hi all, just posting in the hope that someone will have some advice for me!

I'm due back to work soon, my first baby is almost a year old. I'm honestly really struggling with the concept of leaving him and am thinking about my options. Unfortunately SAHM isn't an option for me as my partner doesn't earn enough. I have been giving some thought to setting up a childminding business. My little one absolutely loves other children too.

I'm a social worker (albeit in mental health) so hopefully this would help in terms of getting set up. However I have no idea what I need to do and also whether I would make enough money doing this. I'm the main earner at the moment although we could certainly cut back.

Does anyone have any experience or advice they could share?

I've been a childminder for 14 years so things may have changed.

You need to contact your LA early years dept to find out what course they require you to do. Then apply to ofsted to have an interview/ home check. You'll need a DBS for yourself and everyone in the home over 16, complete a pediatric first aid course, a safeguarding course and some LA also require you to hold food hygiene and register as a food business.

Check your house deeds/tenancy, your car insurance and purchase public liability insurance.

Make sure you have enough equipment and space and toys.

Do research and check the demand in your area and the average rate charged to know if this is enough earnings.

Register as self employed and set aside money for your tax and NI plus any holiday/ sick days you have.

Not sure being a social worker will help but happy to answer any other questions.

Thank you!

I thought it may help in the sense that I have done a lot of safeguarding training.

How many children do childminders tend to look after?

The ratios are no more than 6 under 8 years old, of those 3 may be early years and only one of those early years may be under 12 months. This includes your own children.

I only look after little ones now, no after schoolers as that's my preference.

You will hear about flexibility in the ratios but the 6 under 8 is an absolute rule and the others have certain qualification when they may be extended eg for siblings, baby twins etc.

Childminders make very little. You'd be much better off going part time, maintaining your social work registration and pension etc. you'll still make more than a CM, especially once kids are in school