How do I become a childminder? Is this realistic?

[manitz]

Hi have just spoken to local council and they are sending me details of all the courses I need to do to become a CM. Someone at a group was mentioning needing a child to sort of 'practice on' to complete the training. The council didn't mention a probation period - does it exist?

Also I'm wondering if I'm even being realistic. We are about to start building work and decorating soon. Would it be mad to start? It's just a friend who is a teacher wants a cm, it would be ideal as tto and only really for a week or two this summer term then pt from sept which is when ds1 goes to school - one year gap between her dd and ds2 so I think they'd get on. Timing is fab except for building work. Will ofsted even let me cm from the home visit if we are a bit upside down?
Does pacey advise standard rates to charge too?

Thanks

I would be surprised if you are registered before the end of the summer term. You don't need a child to practice on. Your LA should be able to answer all your questions. Good luck :)

Oh ... and renovations shouldn't be a problem. You just have to risk assess them in the same way as you would for your own child.

thanks. I thought it would be tight. They told me 12 weeks before inspection of premises. Tbh, I haven't even asked her if she's interested but will bear that in mind. Thanks again for reply.