childminder apprentice

[happydazed]

thinking of taking on an apprentice. I won't be using them to increase numbers. does anyone have any experience of using an apprentice? I have spoken to a local training provider so I understand all the legal practical stuff, just wondered if they would actually be of any help and if they would want to be in a childminder setting instead of a nursery.

I've had 3 child care students from my local college over the last year on placement with me is this what you mean? They were with me to learn and didn't get paid or could be included in my child/adult ratios. I'm a childminder by the way

Do you mean an assistant? If so you have to fill in an EY2 form (think that's it) you can get this from OFSTED web site. They have to have first aid and safeguarding training too and you have to get permission from parents. They cannot be left for more than 2 hours and that's only if they have first aid. They can't be left alone at all if they do not have first aid training.

When I did my NNEB (some time ago now) two of my placements were with childminders - other placements were in nursery, pre-school and reception class. It was great. Due to having two of the placements with childminders, I was able to see how the childminders did things differently, such as the setup of the home, the sort of outings they did, the school runs that sort of thing. From what I recall, one was caring for children from parents working mostly full-time, where as the other worked mostly for parents in the police force (the childminder's husband was in the police) and thus children attended such to fit with their parents shift work.

It was good experience for me... not sure how much practical help I was to the childminders, though always useful to have another pair of hands around to hold a baby, entertain a pre-schooler.

So good on you for wanting to take on an apprentice. Assuming that you do mean someone who is doing a chidcare course at college and is needing to have a placement in a small group childcare environment.

sorry I should have been clearer, it will be someone who is doing an nvq level 2. they are likely to be 16-17. I will be paying them apprentice level wages. I have to commit to having them for a year in order for them to complete their qualification,although they could be dismissed like any member of staff.

nannynick its good to hear you found it usefull, I want them to get something out of it.

fudgesmummy did you find your students to be of much help to you?

I have had students in to help over them holidays before, paid work experience and they have always been of very little help, and needing so much supervision it was usually easier to just do it myself. they have always had very little enthusiasm, and haven't seen to enjoy being with the children at all.

I am hoping someone who has decided to work in childcare might actually show a little more enthusiasm, really don't need them to do much just play with the babies, join in playing games etc.

I found them all very helpfull and eager to learn and I really enjoyed their company even though at 17/18 they were even younger than my own 2 dc's who are 23 and 26 which made me feel verrrrrrrrrry old!!!!!!

A year seems a long time to commit on both your parts.

It is going to cost you money to have them yet you can not earn any more money by having them, so I am wondering if that makes business sense. Great that you are offering the opportunity to someone.

Apprenticeship wage is £2.40 per hour I think