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Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Childcare

How do I become a childminder????????

9 replies

nemo1977 · 04/03/2006 14:41

Hi just looking for some advice.
I want to look into becoming a childminder. I have 2 children a ds 2.4yrs and DD 3mths. I dont want to start until ds was in school as I know i will be limited to how many under 4s I can have. I think childminding would be good for me as I want a job where I can still be around for my own children and be able to collect them from school etc.
A few questions are
How much could I expect to earn?[am in the NW]
How would my house have to be set out?{ we have a through living dining room and a rear garden that is quite big]
What would I need to start?
What qualifications would I need?[I have a psychology degree and a msc in management..dont know if either of them would be relevant, I have also worked with vunerable adults in all my jobs previously]
Would the fact I have had mental health problems[severe depression due to childhood issues..now on the mend] impact on my application?

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nemo1977 · 04/03/2006 15:10

Also wanted to know if you use a car do you have to get buisness insurance on it?

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threelittlebabies · 04/03/2006 16:02

Nemo, no advice but will be interested to see what replies you get, as me and dh have both thought of it. Also wanted to say hello, as not "seen" you for a bit. Did you get an email from me?

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nemo1977 · 04/03/2006 16:11

hi threelittlebabes
I havent seen an email..i dont think..although in my half addled brain best go and double check..lol

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freshstart · 04/03/2006 16:13

How much could I expect to earn?[am in the NW]

The hourly rate varies vastly depending on area and demand for childminders. I charge £3.50 an hour which is on the expensive side for my area.

How would my house have to be set out?{ we have a through living dining room and a rear garden that is quite big]

The setting out of your house is largely irrelevant, what OFSTED will be looking at is how much space available and how safe it is. (normal things you have for your own kids, stairgates, cupboard locks etc)

What would I need to start?
You would contact your childrens information service and arrange to go on one of two pre registration briefings - here they tell you about the registration process and give you the application forms. You need to have a medical from your GP, attend an introducing childminding course, do a first aid in the first six months of registering and have a pre registration inspection from ofsted.

What qualifications would I need?[I have a psychology degree and a msc in management..dont know if either of them would be relevant, I have also worked with vunerable adults in all my jobs previously]

No qualifications are necessary - there are a couple of essential courses that you must do but these are childminder specific and done within 6 months of registering there is also teh first aid course. You and your partner/husband need to have an enhanced disclosure of your criminal records etc too

Would the fact I have had mental health problems[severe depression due to childhood issues..now on the mend] impact on my application?

This would be covered in the medical from the GP I think - I have heard of a few people childminding after previous problems with depression - you should be fine

HTH

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freshstart · 04/03/2006 16:13

Car Insurance - yes, you have to inform your insurers you are childmindg and need business class insurance.

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threelittlebabies · 04/03/2006 17:07

nemo- sent you one on the 26th, so you may have had it and are just ignoring me Wink

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Jensmum · 04/03/2006 20:30

I'm in the NW and the rates vary between £2 and £3 per hour.

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nemo1977 · 04/03/2006 21:10

thanks ladies
how many children are you allowed to care for?

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Katymac · 04/03/2006 23:23

total of 6 (under 8 yrs)including your own children
3 maybe under 5yrs
1 maybe under 1yr

you would probably be allowed 1under5 (over1)

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