Do I start childminding?!

[lucyfluff]

Hiya...I'm considering starting up as a childminder but would love some advice/feedback from any CM's out there! I have read the thread on here about agencies being introduced and this has made me question it too.

My LA is running the course at a lower price due to demand here and I'm a qualified teacher with 3 boys (two at school) so have a lot of experience. A few of my questions were, how do you find the paperwork side of CM? What hourly rate do you charge? Do you get any support from the pacey membership if you have it?

Thankyou x

Marking my place as I'm also looking into it.

Hourly rate varies massively area to area (£3-7ph!!) so is suggest you either get in touch with a few local CM's or search your area online & hope some of the CM's advertise prices. Registration can take quite a while usually 3months+ and there is quite a bit of initial paperwork but once you're up & running it needn't be too hideous unless you're aiming for an outstanding grade & as a teacher esp if you were EYFSyou'll probably find it a breeze . I've been registered about 9 months & really enjoying it plus the time spent with my own DC but I would say try not to take on too much too soon as its a fine line between just right & too much. In an ideal world I'd keep 1 day a week free & try to have less work in the holidays - my school age DS struggles far more than my youngest having constant 'playmates' & it can be hard trying to entertain older ones all day when you've got extra kiddies demanding your attention! HTH

If you start the course, don't give up and don't be put off by the paperwork. Once you get into it, it becomes routine and it's fine.

Have a realistic expectation of how many children you will be able to look after (taking into consideration the school runs) and have a good think about the age of the childre. I have two children in primary school (6 and 7 yo) and I find it better for everyone if I look after little ones only. From 4 years old, first I'd have to do a lunch time school run and the school is a good 20 minutes walk away, and also I find that babies are less disruptive for my childen (they love babies, plus they don't get too distracted when it's time to do homework, and babies don't try to take their big boys' toys!).

Where I live (London) childminders charge anything between £40 and £65 a day, depending on many factors. Some childminders are taking the mickey a bit with inflated prices tbh, but the fees depend a lot on ifyou include food, charge for holidays, etc.

Pacey is great, I think, if you use the website a lot. It includes insurance and a magazine, and other benefits such as legal advice if needed. THeir paperwork is also very good (contracts, etc). And you can get support from your local council. It's also a secure job - there will always be a need for good childminders - that requires little investment, all things considered. The course is not expensive, but many potentially good childminders give up when it's time for the OFSTED inspection because it a bit scary.

well I love my job and I would recommend it. my paperwork isn't the best and I have never spent that much time on it. but I just bought an online system that so far I love and I seem to now do even less. paperwork but it looks better so its all good!

I'm not much of a worrier and the proposed changes haven't affected me yet as such so while I keep up to date and interested and put my views across I don't let it bother me too much. on the whole compared to working for my previous large organisation I can please myself and I love it! enjoy being with and having fun with the kids, great watching them grow.

I didn't join pacey so can't answer that. charges vary a lot round the country, I make a decent enough living from it.

Thankyou for all the responses, its great to hear positive feedback about it. I spoke with a local CM yesterday at our school and she was lovely too, there are 15 CMs there all fully booked and have people waiting so def a need here! (Hampshire). They also have a great support network with groups etc so thats good to hear.

Looking forward to giving it a go :)