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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

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Original poster

Has anyone shut up shop as a childminder or thinking of it? What to do instead??

19 replies

YourHandInMyHand · 08/03/2015 18:51

Ive also worked in private day nurseries but not enjoyed it, I love working with kids but want my home back and some quality time with my own child, feel like i never switch off and I am so bone tired.

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Purplehonesty · 08/03/2015 19:02

I'm stopping in August when dd goes to nursery.
I too want my home back and to move on from baby things, nappies, prams etc.
I started another business from home last year making birthday cakes, wedding cakes etc and it's taking up most of my evenings so from aug I will be able to work when dd and ds are at nursery/school and then have quality time with them when I pick them up
Well that's the plan!

Purplehonesty · 08/03/2015 19:05

What do you fancy doing, how old are your kids?

Original poster

YourHandInMyHand · 08/03/2015 19:14

My child is 10 and autistic. No idea what I want to do instead so looking for inspiration. I feel so tired and lost.

OP posts:

Purplehonesty · 08/03/2015 20:36

How about a teaching assistant in either primary or secondary school?My friend has just stayed as a learning support in an academy and loves it.
I fancy being a TA when dd goes to school

Maryann1975 · 08/03/2015 20:48

I would love to do something else, but at the moment I'm feeling trapped to being a cm. I wouldn't want someone else to be picking up my dc from school each day and want them to be able to stay in their own home in the holidays. There are no jobs that fit those criteria, so I'm stuck with my childminding paperwork (that's the bit I hate) until my littlest one is bigger, about 5 or so years I reckon. I want to be moving on from pushchairs and nappies and feel like we are drowning under young children's toys that my own dc are long out grown.

I keep an eye on the nhs jobs website. They seem to have jobs in all departments doing various things. I've seen a few children based jobs locally to me on there.

Original poster

YourHandInMyHand · 09/03/2015 08:15

Teaching assistant would fit around my child but the pay is very low and jobs here are like hens teeth. Didn't think of child related jobs in nhs, might give me some ideas. I once applied for a support worker job working with adults with autism which was full time days, but back then i realised i couldn't juggle it with ds but if he were older it might be a possibility. I do love working with children though.

OP posts:

Tanith · 09/03/2015 10:01

One of my friends has become a dog walker and turned her house into a similar set up for dogs, cooked meals, lovely garden etc..

Original poster

YourHandInMyHand · 09/03/2015 12:39

Probably earn more doing doggy daycare! Not sure if my dog would be keen though lol but it's an option.

There is a dog rescue near me that does doggy daycare and they charge more than I do for early years care.

OP posts:

chasingtherainbow · 09/03/2015 16:51

Work PT term time only as a nanny?

WickedGirl · 09/03/2015 18:04

How about a part time, term time only nanny?
The pay is better than a TA post

OutragedFromLeeds · 09/03/2015 22:12

I think becoming nanny would be the obvious choice, although it will depend on what demand is like in your area.

With nannying you can work full-time or part time or term-time only or holidays only or weekends only or evenings only. Plus there is the option of taking your child with you. There is a lot of flexibility so you should be able to find something that fits around your child.

Do you think of any of the families you childmind for would be interested in taking you on as a nanny? I know several people who transitioned from childminder to nanny that way.

Lovemycatsandkids · 10/03/2015 18:15

Hi op I shut up shop in 2012 and did the TA level 3. I loved it for 2 years but missed the freedom of running my own business and the money is far better, TA pay is crap.

So just got up and running and realise that Ofsted are even more mad than they used to be but the children and parents are lovely and with spring around the corner I see days in the sunshine and no being told what to do by a teacher half my age with zero experience of children however nice.

I am only doing TT only though for teachers children so best of both.

almaradlu · 10/03/2015 20:21

I have just recently shut up shop after just under 14 years of childminding and have not got any idea what I am going to do next . Being kept busy at the moment sorting the house to a child free zone and boxing/selling/going through paper work that needs keeping etc. I have 2 children, one is nearly 18 and the other is nearly 20, so finding it strange now most of the toys and equipment has gone.

Its going to be weird when I do find a part time job as the one thing I did like was being able to come and go as we pleased but it will be lovely to come back to a toy free house

Original poster

YourHandInMyHand · 12/03/2015 14:29

Nannying doesn't appeal to be honest as although less paperwork I would still be working in a very similar environment but with less autonomy as wouldn't be boss.

It's so tricky! I love the kids and I agree when the sun is shining it's a pleasure but the paperwork, stress, house not being my own and not being able to switch off is putting a dampener on it.

OP posts:

OutragedFromLeeds · 12/03/2015 14:41

'the paperwork, stress, house not being my own and not being able to switch off is putting a dampener on it'

Those are the differences between nannying and childminding. No paperwork, no stress (beyond the stress of actually being with the children), no impact on your house and you can switch off as soon as you leave for the evening. I wouldn't dismiss the lack of autonomy tbh, it's the autonomy (and the responsibility of that) that brings the stress and the not being able to switch off.

Original poster

YourHandInMyHand · 12/03/2015 18:02

Hmm yes good point outraged! Maybe I should consider it!

OP posts:

nbee84 · 12/03/2015 19:57

And if you get the right family then you get the autonomy too :-)

Apart from a weekly swimming lesson I'm free to organise my days however I like. I always look for families that have very similar views to my own.

I went back to nannying after 10 years as a childminder and I love that my house is not my workplace anymore. I like that I get sick pay and paid holidays. I like that I don't have to keep receipts and do my 'books', no tax return to fill in every year!

Rosienufc · 14/03/2015 21:41

I just gave up at Christmas. I'm busy sorting through boxes of toys and paperwork. I gave up for personal reasons and plan to move house this year which I thought would be quite disruptive so Christmas was a good time to stop with the 2 week break. I miss the kids a lot. Currently working in a library though and it's great to be able to finish work and leave it behind at the end of the day.

TheEastLondonCM · 16/03/2015 13:28

I've often thought about what i would do if and when i move on. it will be hard to find a job that matches the pros of a childminder. i love being in my home, not having a commute, being in control of my wages, not having bitchy work colleages...but the paperwork is relentless, and in order to keep on top of it, I'm having to eat in to family time with my daughter!!

the grass is never greener!!!

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