registering as a childminder - any one doing the same ?

[OnlyWantsOne]

Ive taken the first baby steps into registering as a child minder - any one offer me any good advice, or doing the same at the moment?

I have a 4 year old and a 5 1/2 month old DD - (and a dog... god, am I allowed a dog?)

see...I will need strong hand holding a little help!!

Yes you're allowed a dog!

I would say -always expect each stage to take doubel the amount of time they say it will, then if somehting happens quicker you will be pleasantly surprised!

Get word out now that you are registering. Most of my work comes through word of mouth and although you can't sign any one up yet- the more ppl who know to recommend you the better.

Get as much prep work done as you can before you get children- it's hard once you've started to give time to paperwork when you are working all day.

Make friends with other CM's/nanny's etc because you will need the adult company.

If I think of any more then I'll come back but good luck with it all!

Hi there,

I completed my pre-reg training at the end of March and am still waiting for OFsted to come and inspect. This last few weeks has felt like forever because I just want to get started now!

Good advice from Nick-nacks , I have started to advertise already and have got quite a few families lined up for when I am registered.

Good luck with it all - I'm happy to try and hand-hold (although there are lots of lovely ladies (and men) on here who have loads of good advice!

well am now booked on a first aid course (it cost £90 does that seem about standard)

the childminder support worker for my area is going to call me tomorrow to organise coming to see me - and I need to re read though the early years stuff - then when shes been to see me, apply through Ofsted.

So, plan for tomorrow is to find the NCMA course and get booked on it.

God... the woman I spoke to earlier sounded realy positive that I would be registered by the beginning of the accedmic year, so sept? I think thats quite a realistic aim for us as DD1 will be starting school on full days then too.

Exciting!! Any other tips?

Do it, do it, do it!

Register on this site - I've found it invaluable. Took me about 12 weeks from doing the pre-reg course to getting my certificate :)

do I need to do this training or should I wait untill the woman has been to see me - Im getting so easily confused by all the different web sites etc am I really cut out for this wibble

I'm in the process of registering too - I'm half way through my ICP course, just 2 more sessions to go and then a mentoring session to help us with the (bloody scary!) application form.

I'm in Wales so I'm not sure if the process is a little different. We get inspected by the CSSIW (Social Services basically) and they aim to inspect you within 16 weeks apparently.

Definitely recommend ringing a couple of childminders in your area, they'll be able to give you an idea of what demand is like where you live and what the going rates are.

I've been registered for 6 months and haven't started ICP (no info has been forthcoming from my LA to be honest) and haven't looked at starting a Level 3 course yet.

No point starting any training like that until you're actually registered though - what if Ofsted don't register you (unlikely, but always possible). Just do the compulsory first aid and pre-reg course, but as I said on my last post, do go and check out the Childminding Forum (as well as this board) as it's REALLY helpful!

Get the CRB check started asap, because that's usually the thing that takes the longest.

Good luck. You can always come here for advice and you will find that those of us who've been doing it for the last decade still don't know what we're talking about .

So don't you have to do a course at all in England?? Here in Wales we have to do the ICP course - and pass a multi-choice test - before we can submit our applications and get inspected.

We do the ICP course after registration here, although as I've said, the LA haven't bothered getting me any information about it but they have been rather forthcoming with info about several pointless courses, and those that I have been booked on have almost all been cancelled

well the child minding support lady just called - shes coming to see me next week - now I feel super nervous!!

good luck its a great business and lots of fun. totally endorse all the advice given.. heres mine,

1.. when you find the right family make sure you and parents sit down quietly to go through the contract without the child present.. its a legal document which you all have to understand and agree to..

2 its a business so be friendly to parents but not friends.. you are being paid for a service you offer..

3 start as you mean to go on.. be business like.. step hard on late payers/ non payers at once dont let it slide.. there are parents out there who will try not to pay you .. honestly..

4 dont worry too much about all the paperwork.. ofsted are ok really, make sure you do as much as you can, daily diaries, some obs, policies and proceedures, dont stress though, as ofsted rather see happy well cared for kids..( mine did anyway) some cms go to ridiculous lenghts of paperwork imo... not needed..

5 keep all receipts and claim all your entitlements.. you are worth it

6 keep your childrens toys/ rooms private.. dont expect them to share their toys.. buy or get second hand for mindees and if possible keep their rooms off limits.. i only mind downstairs so my dcs know that their rooms/belongings are just for them..

7 enjoy the children, keep smiling.... who would want to work in a stuffy office when you can go to the park or woods, sledging or soft play and get paid for it... great...