Starting up as a Childminder - helpful tips anyone?

[TrudiRed]

Hi All, I;m in the early stages of registering as a childminder and would be interested to hear from any CM or parent that has any helpful tips or advice for me on any aspect of CM. Thanks

Hello Trudi,
i must say that being yourself and having a great sense of humor has helped me at all times during my 8 years of experience teaching and caring for children in the borough. Also you need to be very active and love your job to the limit as experiences you will face in the way that will make you change your views of continuing working as a childminder but be strong and just be yourself really. This way Families will appreciate your work every day!

Thank you! I've got 3 of my own and people keep telling me I'd be good at it so I'm taking a leap of faith that I can do it! I've wanted to work with children for years but I haven't worked since we had our 1st child early 8 years ago so its all a bit daunting at the moment! I used to do admin and organisation is my thing so fingers crossed that will stand me in good stead for the paperwork side of things!

Have you been on www.childmindingforum.co.uk there's loads of fab advice on there.

My tip would be don't be afraid to say no sometimes, I learnt the hard way but now don't agree if it disrupts my children/own time.

Good luck.

Hi TrudiRed,
I am newly registered (got my certificate just after Easter this year) and I'm loving it so far.
I am in a similar position to you in that I hadn't worked for 7 years since dd1 was born. Once dd2 started school I felt a bit of a spare part at home all day so wanted to do something which didn't affect my own children too much. I work 3 days a week, term-time only, which suits me down to the ground.
I agree with wishiwasonholiday in that I only take on children who fit into the hours I want to work. I have been very lucky as childminders in my area are like gold dust, so I have been able to be quite picky. I only have after-school children 2 days a week at the moment, which is a good balance for my own children, in that they can still have friends to play, or do their own activities on the other days.
Good luck with it all - if you need any help just shout!

Thanks for your advice ladies

Hi good luck with it all TrudiRed, I currently work as a nurse and am thinking about taking a career break to do childminding so I can be there for my own children. Wish I could see into a crystal ball and know if it's the right decision or not! Sorry not really giving any help but just in a similar boat :)

When my DH and my husband first started the cm business we decided we would be flexible as poss. While this is a good idea in theory we have one child that comes in for an hour, goes home for about an hour and a half sometimes longer and then comes back again. This means I can't really fit in things like naps with her as by the time she comes back there is too much noise from after schooler's. Also when we have busy times I have to stay behind so she can be picked up. Now we have realized that this is not ideal and for future parents can only offer solid hours.