Is anyone a childminder in a way that fits around their own life?

[BranchingOut]

I have a job that I really enjoy, but if I ever needed to change I was thinking of exploring the possibility of becoming a childminder. Small commuter town in the SE.

My DH has a good job, but I enjoy working with children and was a teacher for ten years. I know the EYFS well, am used to doing reams of paperwork and the prospect of running my own business does not worry me.

I would think about doing it for 3 or 4 days per week, possibly just with one baby to start with, then maybe add another baby once the first one goes to pre-school. I have my own child who would be at school at that stage.

Any views, pros or cons?

As a CM running your own business then you can set your own hours and just take on the work that you want - no one is going to force you. However, the more flexible you are then the more business you will receive so its just a case of balancing things.

Sounds like a good plan. You might need to practice saying no! Almost everyone I know (and I am guilty too) finds they take on more than they really want due to struggling to refuse to do extra bits and pieces that end up being a lot of work, and that is where the job starts to intrude on family life rather than complimenting it. But if you can avoid for example "just" doing an extra day here and there that ends up being every week, and harden your heart when your first baby moves on because you don't want to take on their younger sibling, it could work for you. Good luck!

Hi BranchingOut

Pros - flexibility with hours, own boss, exciting activities and places to visit, help in developing a child's life

cons- may have to deal with challenging behaviour, can take over your family life if you do not choose the right hours, paper work paper work,

My advice would be nip things in the bud in the early stages (late payment, too early drop offs, late pick ups, challenging behaviour,

As mentioned you need to say no when necessary.

I am much wiser now, had my joyful times and also my tears too. But I never gave up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All the best.

You can advertise the days and hours you want to work. With only one mindee you will earn well under minimum wage, but if it works for you, that's fine. I would still get Ofsted to register you for your maximum number, so you aren't restricted when your own child wants friends to play.

Thanks, some good points.

I am a bit of a 'softy' at heart, but would definitely insist on payment up front. Standing order or a BACS payment or not at all.

Early drop offs - my idea would be to not answer the door or get a bench for the front garden that they can sit on until the agreed time!

Late collection - emergency, fine. If they take the mick then I would either adjust the hours or give warning that I may terminate the contract.

The paperwork does not worry me - I can write an observation in my sleep ...The invasion of privacy might do, but hopefully by keeping numbers limited and only a certain number of hours, then maybe I can keep a lid on it?

I work 4 days a week term time ( I have the one day for study Facebook as I am doing an ou degree).

I work 5 days hols but finish at 2 on Monday and Friday.

I have carefully picked my parents and children so they are all fab and now part of my family.

It's a great job!!

I think if you're in the enviable position of not 'needing' to earn money straight away then holding out for a family who's needs suit yours is very doable. I found it very hard to do that because I just needed some money coming in and ended up taking on whatever came along. Now I'm earning well and have established a good reputation, I'm hoping I can slow things down a bit and just have mindees that fit in with me.

Good luck!

I work three days per week, term time only which works brilliantly for me. My own children (primary school age) have days when their own friends can come and play and they can still do some after school activities. They also don't have to share me and their toys in the holidays. It does make it harder to find families who fit, but I now have a bit of a niche with part-time teachers' children.

There's a childminder in gerrards cross - v near me, who only does ad hoc. I've used her a couple of times. She charges £6/hour including food and only works when it fits in with her own dc's.