Questions about childminding...

[sunflowerfi]

I am looking at going into child minding. I have my own children who are 7 and 9 and currently work as a teaching assistant but I am only on a one year contract so as I love working with kids am looking at other options for next year? I have a few questions:

1. What is the training and application process?

1. In terms of hours you work-how much time do you have off for yourself in the holidays?

1. What is the ratio of children you are allowed? I would ideally like to focus on 0-4 year old children during the day rather than school pick ups/after school work

1. What rate can be charged?

1. Would it matter that I have cats?

1. How far do you have to go about child proofing the house? I would consider my house pretty child proof other than that I would need a safety gate on the kitchen and stairs.

Thanks in advance x

1. I registered years ago, so I suggest contacting your local authority.

1. You can choose your hour and work term time only if you like, but the more you restrict your hours, the less work there is available.

1. No more than 1 under 1.. No more than 3 under 5. No more than 6 under 8. These include your own children and also depend on space available.

1. Rates vary widely. You need to see what love minders are charging.

1. i used to have a cat. It put some people off, but not everyone.

1. You risk assess your own house. If you think it's safe, then prove it to Ofsted.

Please bear in mind that your own children might hate you childminding. Good luck. I love it.

Other. Not love !