Starting out...

[milkymocha]

..Hi everyone!

I am wanting to pursue a career in childminding, it is something that i can be contemplating for a year or so and believe it would be the right move for myself/my family.

I have 2 children of my own and am currently a SAHM. I live in London. I have spent many months lurking on this topic and believe it has been beneficial to my understanding of what is expected by parents when it comes to childminding.

How do i start out? What qualifications do i need? Any advice would be helpful - Thank you !

in my area I had to do my childminding course through my local council. you can do the same course through different providers ncma is one I think but my council won't approve you if you don't do their course so best check. it
lasts about 10 weeks one evening a week. you also need to do a first aid course, again council approved. mine lasted 2 full days. not difficult. and you need to register with ofsted. this costs about £35 and they will come out and inspect you within about 6 weeks of registering. you need to have completed first aid and your course before they'll give you certificates and they'll want to see some paperwork you have put in place-policies, risk assessments etc so might be worth waiting to register till you have done course as they'll help you with all this. its not hard to set up took me 4 months in total. ofsted are changing the way they do things from September so best giving then a call to check what you need to do as I'm not sure what's changed. the numbers on their website and I found then really helpful. I have a 2 year old and its best thing I have done being able to work and still spend time with him. good luck

milkymocha a warm welcome to you!

I was a sahm for 10 yrs. I have four kids, childmind 6.

NOt sure what the procedure is for London area.

My advice would be:-

When you do start think carefully about the hours you work. Must be suitable for your family. 07.00 was too early for me, done it and hated it. I now do 07.30 or just before.

Take on a small amount of kids to start with, nothing is worst than taking on too much children and not being able to cope.

Let parents know you are thinking about it. Parents watch you and will approach you if they like what they see. I have never been without kids since I started cm.

I have so much flexibility in what I can do with me being home with my kids, and bringing in an income.

Mumsnet is brilliant for advice with policies and other important stuff.

All the best in your decision making

Speak to Ofsted and your.local authority. I think the registration process changed this month.