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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

Calling all childminders :-) am thinking about becoming a childminder, how did you all get started?

19 replies

justJAM · 20/12/2006 17:03

Hello all - am currently on maternity leave (for a year) DD is 3 months old - have a well paid job with good perks blah blah blah but even before I became pregnant knew I was in a rut. Have already asked to go back next year part time as ideally I wouldn't leave DD at all...but have been really thinking about childminding recently, I was hoping some of you would be kind enough to tell me how you got started and what I should be doing/considering...thanks very much in advance :-)

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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ThePrisoner · 20/12/2006 17:49

Do you like other people's children?

Do you need to have a guaranteed minimum income?

Original poster

justJAM · 20/12/2006 18:10

Love children no guarenteed minimum just some to help cover the bills etc, should I be put off by your name theprisoner

OP posts:

gooseegg · 20/12/2006 18:50

Don't give up the perky job with good reliable pay and sick/holiday/pension too quickly.
You may find it's rut less deep when you are not there so often.
I would certainly go through the registration process, slowly start getting resources and making your home child friendly, and then start advertising for part-time children to fit around your other job. Maybe also consider offering overnight and weekend care.
I started off like that in 2003 and after 4mths got one little boy for 15mins every Sunday (access visit/handover). Now I am almost full, and trot off happily to my no-kids perky job for a rest.

Original poster

justJAM · 20/12/2006 19:10

That sounds like a good idea gooseegg - thank you I can't say I have looked into all very much yet - it's just that the thought keeps coming to mind so thought I'd get some advice.

OP posts:

crace · 20/12/2006 19:23

I agree about not giving up perky job too - think through very carefully. And the p/t childminding job sounds like a great idea.

However, I couldn't bear the thought of leaving my daughter and although I never felt "drawn" to work with other peoples children this is a good fit for me.

I get to stay home with my two children, and happily watching two other boys p/t. It isn't anywhere near my old income but it's helping and if I get the one more f/t I need then all the better. I was nervous about it, but it's working well for me and the two boys I mind are fantastic children and a joy to be around (and happen to fit in my own childrens age group!).. but I am sure I am lucky there.

It's certainly not easy work, and at the end of the day I am exhausted but I feel it's worth doing so that I can be home too.

The turnaround time is very slow as well, so keep that in mind. It's many months of courses and an inspection - so you may need to decide soon.

Good luck with whatever you decide

Original poster

justJAM · 20/12/2006 19:42

Thank you very much crace - very helpful I have to admit, I am drawn to it due to the fact I can look after my little girl, I'd be lying If I said that wasn't a big part of it....will look into what is required more and I will do that soon. Thanks again

OP posts:

Isyhan · 20/12/2006 19:42

Dont bother. The kids will be the least of your worries. Can you tell im bitter and twisted at the moment!

Original poster

justJAM · 20/12/2006 19:52

why do you say that isyhan??? come on spill

OP posts:

Isyhan · 20/12/2006 20:29

I am just going through a bout of feeling taken for granted by parents. See other thread. Its not that Im tetchy or anything. Its just that when my daughter is sat their in her school uniform looking worried that shes going to be late for school because someone hasnt turned up then it makes me think what am I doing this for. The parent turns up and their own child is upset because shes being rushed and doesnt want to set off walking to school which makes me even more late. The parent calls me later and says ' Oh it breaks your heart doesnt it? ( about her own child crying). I feel like saying ' no it just makes me angry that your so disorganised which upsets your own child and mine!!' So yes you get to spend time with your own children but AT A PRICE.

Original poster

justJAM · 20/12/2006 20:30

I'm not surprised you feel pissed, I would too, is it a regular for this parent??

OP posts:

Isyhan · 20/12/2006 20:44

Well yes. They turn up early or late. For the last two months have messed me about re payment. They always have a reason or excuse but now its wearing thin.

Original poster

justJAM · 20/12/2006 20:45

I bet it is! So what are you going to do, have a chat?

OP posts:

Isyhan · 20/12/2006 20:48

Well re payment i sent a curt e mail about breach of contract so I think thats sorted now. About being late . Im sending a letter to all parents telling them what time I will be setting of for school and that I wont be calling them or waiting in after that time.

Original poster

justJAM · 20/12/2006 20:53

Good idea - too right as well! hopefully they'll be embarrased enough to sort it out

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ThePrisoner · 20/12/2006 21:32

justJAM - yes, my name suits my job as I lock the little monsters up as soon as the parents have left!

I think doing this job if you struggle with other children would be a nightmare. I know lots of minders who do it so that can be with their own children, and it can be hard - my own children are now grown-up, so when my last mindee goes home, at least I can fall onto the floor in a heap.

If you chose to have only one other child with your own, your hourly rate wouldn't be brilliant, but your stress levels would be much better than if you work to full capacity. Or you could concentrate on just having children before/after school.

Contact your local Childrens Info Service for details on registration etc.

Original poster

justJAM · 20/12/2006 21:36

Thanks I have bookmarked the link - and think about what you said - I suppose I have imagined it with a delightful couple of angels (hmmmmm maybe being a tad roses around the cottage door)

OP posts:

tobysmumkent · 21/12/2006 00:07

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Cwmbranchildminder · 21/12/2006 22:19

I decided to look into cm when I was pregnant with my dd(9mths).Im now registered & have an after schooler & had a few enquiries.
Im lucky that I can afford to be without a wage and wait for my business to build up but it can be a very long process. I have the option to go bk to work in March so Im either going to go back p/t or hand my notice in all depending on business demand.
I go out and about with my children to toddlers etc as not being in work drove me mad (brain dead-baby talk)
I think its best for you to go through the registration process - advertise to see the demand and then decide whether to go bk to work or not?
Good luck

Original poster

justJAM · 22/12/2006 10:28

Thanks so much for the advice - I really appreciate it, and going to look into registering and take it from there, It is a bit scary taking the leap, am soooo torn, do I leave my job, or give DD to someone else to look after - am I looking into CM for the right reasons, or just to be at home with DD - am very confused, will have a good think over Christmas, thanks again guys

OP posts:

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