Becoming a childminder - pros and cons

[Grockle]

I work in a school so am used to working term-time only. Is this feasible as a childminder? I know some do work term-time only....

I think I need to know the down side to this - DS is 6.

And also, roughly how much I can expect to earn although I realise that depends on hours/ numbers.

I can see lots of pros but maybe because I'm really beginning to struggle with my current job and childminding seems a bit more appealing. I've done it in the past but overseas so wasn't OFSTED registered. For me, it would mean:

Being able to take DS to school & collect him
Being able to attend school plays, assemblies, sports day etc
Being able to go to Dr appointments of my own (if I have days of no under 5s)
Looking after little ones again!

But please tell me the worst things!

You might not always get to school plays assemblies and sports days if you have 3 small children with you. I have missed plenty as a Childminder. It is possible to work term time only,but it does limit your numbers. Your own child will love you being there, but may resentthe other children.

I love being a Childminder, but it is not as easy as it might seem.

I meant term time only limits your market, not numbers. Sorry

I know full well it won't be an easy option - that's why I'm hoping to hear the negetive things now, before I commit! And certainly having littles would mean missing my DS's day time things. So much depends on how many hours/ days I would work and numbers. And if I want little ones during the day.And yes, it might be hard for DS. I might chat with him about it.

I think I need to just get stuck in a see how I feel.

Thank you so much for responding.

Missing school things is definitely a downside, my ds was so upset I missed the school mothers day service at the church but I had 3 x 2 year olds asleep at home so couldn't go.

I find doctors appointments harder to have as you can't guarantee you need to go when you have no other children, ds had an ear infection the other week and I had to take them all along with me (with parents permission).

Thank you. This has all been very helpful. I need to have a very good think. I suspect I'd find childminding much harder than my current job and I'm not convinced it'd be more family friendly. Although I bring my work home with me every night to do when DS is asleep, at least I get to work in a different place. If I were a childminder, I'd never be able to escape my workplace, would I?!

Some negatives... it is very intrusive in your home... I am a nursery in my house (and I don't even have kids!). I also find it lonely... and although I love my home, it's hard to switch off ever as it's also work.

There are pros and cons to all jobs... and I'd rather keep childminding than doing the 'suck the life out of me' corporate job I had before. The rewards (for me) far outweigh the negs.