I think I'd like to register as a childminder, but...

[Neenook]

But...am I kidding myself?
I'm a qualified teacher, currently working 1 day a week but that will fall to just half a day from Sept. and possibly nothing after that. Childminding seems like a good alternative but I have to be sure it would work before handing in my notice.

I have two DS's both at school - one 8 and one 5.5. Will it work?

Obviously I like children, am used to Ofsted (well, Estyn as I'm in Wales), paperwork, planning etc. Do I have to do weekends/holidays or do most people want term-time/weekdays? And also does it pay? Would need to earn a minimum £500 per month.

Sorry for garbled post - advice please!!

Sounds like it could be the perfect job for you! Go for it, although it does take ages to register. If you had 1 full time mindee you would easily earn £500 per month, prob more. Your kiddies are at school now so if you don't mind taking mindee with you on school runs then theres nothing stopping you. You need lots of energy, ideas, patience and i expect you have all that and more as you are a teacher. Just check if theres a need in your area for c/m's too. You can decide exactly the hours you do, it's your own business. Good luck!

Hi there, I am an ex teacher. When I had my third son I decided I would work from home and have been childminding nearly 4 years now and thouroughly enjoy it. I earn on average £200-£250 a week. I try to look after children who come during the day or are part timers so I can spend time with my own three at the end of the day , and my middle child is autistic.

The paper work is easy compared to working in a school, and with your background I think you would do really well.
It's a selling point too, having been a teacher!
I don't tend to do that much at weekends, so have time for my family. I am pretty organised and have good systems in place for recording obs, planning etc.

You will probably attend courses to do with the EYFS which will give you ideas to use.
And there are some great childminders on here to give advice.
I am a bit of a lurker here normally, but love reading threads from the regulars

Sounds ideal. The only downsides I can see are long hours and potentially difficult parents/children - but having been a teacher you will be used to all that.

Ooh thanks everyone - quite excited now! Rang for some info today re: registration process - will keep you posted!

Btw - what is the rough hourly rate? I know it would be higher in cities, I'm in a very rural part of Wales and was thinking around £4 an hour??

I \am in similar boat. Am teacher and hoping to eventually return, and do bit of supply, but thinking of registering as childminder in meantime to get a bit of extra cash and keep working. Have three children - though only one at school (and one is newborn so not quite yet!). Would prob want only to do 5+ and/or part-time (wrap-around care, maybe the odd holiday time). Am in London so hopefully can be a bit flexible.

Going to ring later. Am a bit worried about getting my house suitable... am not the cleanest.

I work full time..8am to 6. have 3 children on 2 days and 4 on 3 days(ofsted variation) earn £450 a week and dont pay tax with all expenses reductions.. its a great small business, lovely children and working environment..(MOST OF THE TIME)!!!

obviously its a bit invasive for your family and home so would suggest that you ensure your own dcs have their own space where the littlies cant go.. i cm downstairs so my dcs have upstairs as private to them..