CM Club: I'm closing!!

[Katymac]

A long time ago on MN we had a childminding club for discussing lots of childminding issues

I'm reinstating it to say I'm closing my large childminding setting/small nursery.

Between minimum wage increases, pension responsibilities, 30 free (ha-ha) hours and the government no longer supporting hobby businesses I can't do it any more.

Any ideas what sort of job I get now? Goodness I will miss it!!

Can I ask, I am not dreaming am I, are child-minders on their way to extinction? I heard an interview on radio 4 that there are far less child minders now than 5 years ago. Many local councils are cutting training and support for chilminders. Training is more expensive, 30 hours of free childcare is a joke I would have to work more for less money. expectation from Ofsted is just ridiculous. What about childminding agencies?

I am going to retrain and be a teacher assistant if I can find a job. I think I will childmind for another two years max.

When I started I had a visit every 6 weeks, free training (often forced upon me), loads of support - now I can't have a visit unless I'm RI Training (even mandatory training) costs a fortune & I've asked for support 3/4 times and got none

I feel this has been forced upon me rather than a choice I am making

www.theguardian.com/money/2016/feb/15/number-of-childminders-england-falls-10000-in-five-years

Article in Guardian about child minders closing down.

'Ello you lot!

My brain is frazzled from a long day at work and our builders pounding down the footings for our new drive way, so I'm not sure I have the strength to make any useful suggestions at the moment, but boy, it's good to 'see' you lot!

Hey Maureen - how are things?

can anyone help me?}

Ah Katy, it's lovely to 'see' you. I can't really add anything that hasn't already been said.

As you might remember, I took a giant leap and got out just as Ofsted got involved! It's been 9 years nearly! I got a job in a secondary school, initially as a cover supervisor, but I am so much more there now and I believe a very valued member of staff.

Hey, how's your DD? Lord alone knows how old she is now! My DD is almost 21! Life is still plodding along and this summer my DH and I will be renewing our wedding vows for our 25 wedding anniversary!

Life in the CM Club staff room was fabulous all those years ago! So many friends with a bit of a giggle to share and so much support.

I hope you find your calling very soon. xx

Hi Katy, i'm sorry to hear that it has come to this for you. A friend of mine left childminding a couple of years ago to nanny & loves the job as she doesn't have the paperwork we have. When she swapped over she asked Ofsted about registering as a nanny because her new employers wanted to pay using childcare vouchers & they said as she was already on the childcare register there was nothing she needed to do. So that is all that happened that she advised them of the sideways move.

I also miss those staff room chats.

Thanks Badgerhead

Maureen I sent you some pics and a video of DD - she grew up a bit!!

OK! I'm on the app, and I'm revisiting MN after a long time away, so it might take me a while to find it, but I will Defo look!

I think it's the middle blue circle with a little person in called My Mumsnet I think

I need to wait for my password reset to log in on desk top version. I haven't got a clue what it is/was!

I uploaded more photos - I have so much crap!!

I haven't had my password link yet, but I will report back when I've looked. Can't wait!

Babysitting / nanny don't give up your registration but get register nanny.
What about going into training ? You hold course in your old childminder setting . Do first aid training . Manual handling course careers have do that every year.

How about offering support to other cms?
You could set up a consultancy and offer the support the Local authority isn't offering?
I'm sure with all your experience and qualifications you would have the knowledge and expertise to support and train cms
And you would be able to do it from your home and to your own timetable

You could set up an agency

Good ideas

I'll think on them - thank you

Well, good ideas apart from the agency one

Just got my link and she is gorgeous! You must be so proud. Can't help loving the ball room dancing best though! So elegant.

She's grown to a beautiful woman, who appears to have a whole lot going for her and the world at her feet!

You mught see some others from her down the left hand side (if you are on desktop)

Me?? Proud?? you must be thinking of some other mum!!

Thank goodness her rent & food are paid for goodness knows what I would have to do to get that money

Do you know whatever thread I start it ends up being about DD

Just another thought. I'm not sure what business is like in your area, but have you considered just stopping offering funded places? Would that help?

Unlikely to happen round here

But worth baring in mind

I am finding the packing up quite stressful tbh