has anyone got any advice for me please????

[milesysgirl]

im seriously considering doing a childminding course ive always wanted to do it and now seems just right ,can any-one tell me what it really involves course wise ,do you have to go to college ??? does your hose have to be massive and spotless ...... hop someone can help me out i really want to do this !!!

Hi, my ICP course was 3 x 4 hour sessions at college and then you have an assignment to write which has to be handed in a few weeks later and is then marked. You also have to do a 12 hour pediatric first aid course, have an initial OFSTED inspection and complete forms for crb checks and doctors health check.
Although you do not have to do the ICP course before getting registered (you have 6 months to do it) I would strongly recommend you do it first as it prepares you for your initial inspection and gives you a good insight on how to run your business, build a portfolio etc.
As regards to your initial inspection, your house does not have to be huge or spotless, just clean, safe and have a suitable area for children to play, sleep etc, and preferably an enclosed garden (although a safe outdoor space nearby is sometimes adequate).
You do not have to have everything in place for your inspection as long as you have listed all of the things you know you need to do (maybe fit a stairgate or cupboard locks) then this is usually ok as long as all of the things you list are done before you start minding.
Hope this helps, if you need to know anything else just ask, there's usually one of us around to answer.

And if it sounds daunting, it's not that bad! You get guidance as you go along.

thanks alot for all your replies . how do i start off who do i ring to start courses etc....also do i need to buy even more learning toys i have a 3 year old ??? someone mentioned you get some money to help start you of is this true????

it does sound daunting but its something ive always wanted to do , i have an encolosed back garden so hopefully this will be ok ..... ive also got pets would that be an issue???

our childminder had a tiny house, and a dog and a cat. Only her downstairs was "passsed" for childminding. she had wardrobes with mirror doors upstairs, so that was a no-no. Also, I seem to remember that she had to buy a cover for the waterbutt.
good luck!

thanks for reply nn ,im gonna ring up tomorrow and find out exactly what ive got to do ..... i cant wait .....

I think you need to contact your childcare Informtion Service

Good Luck

thanks km i thinks thats the no ive got !!!

If you want to check, go onto childcare link website and put your postcode in. It should give details of who you come under and have a phone number (my council does anyway)

Good luck!

thanks hb i will call them in the morning!!