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