I want to be a childminder but I've got some questions.

[Lauracrazygirl]

Hello!
For context a little about me,

• I am 6 months pregnant,
• currently a classroom assistant (1 year)
• before that nursery nurse (8 years)
• I have a BA in childhood practice
• NC & NHC early education & childcare
• I am still registered with SSSC
• 5 years as a volunteer family support work for a children's charity.
• I have first aid, food hygiene, moving and handling and various other certificates.

So my baby will be here in April and I would like to be a childminder. Firstly it's a lovely way to earn a living and money wise it actually makes more sense than going back to my job.

So here are my questions.

I can't drive (we have a car I just never learned) will that put potential parents off having me as their childminder?

Is it hard to find parents/customers when you are first starting off?

Should I price my hours lower than childminder's in my area? (The average is £4 per hour) to 'get customers through the door'.

I would very much like to cater to ASD children and will design my play/outdoor area with that in mind. Can I advertise myself as a "ASD friendly Childminder" is that a thing?

Any answers, comments or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Laura

@Dinosauraddict.
What will your friends expect if their own child is diagnosed ....notice????

@jannier the only one whose child has been diagnosed pays for a FT 121 nanny...

I registered when I was expecting my DD. It depends on your area and ofsted how long it takes. Go along to local toddler groups to meet possible customers. I have cared for several children with additional needs, but I didn't know when I took them on as babies.

Wow I'm a childminder with a car and a driving licence and I can genuinely say we have a great time and travel all over the place without a car. Literally, we have school run 5 mins away then we hop on the train and into town or up to local museums or woods or a toddler group every day. Don't ever feel the need to use my car ever!

@Dinosauraddict.
Your friends are very lucky to be able to afford this most definitely cant.
The needs of a child with ASD are very varied and unique to each child to assume everyone will need high levels of 1 to 1 is very simplistic and not at all true.

Hello again everyone, 🖐

Firstly, thanks again for all the thoughtful responses I've really enjoyed reading them.

I've come to the conclusion that my first duty is too my new baby and as one poster said I should adapt and enjoy being a first time mum.

I still very much want to be a childminder as I think it's a wonderful way for me to make the most of my skills/education. I think I will wait until my baby is at least 1 year old before I start setting up a childminder business.

Also I've talked to my Husband about this in more detail and he has assured me that I don't need to stress about making money while at home with baby. We can afford my staying at home beyond my paid maternity and to be honest it might be cheaper in the long run. Child care is pretty expensive 🙁

Thanks again for all the comments 💐

Op you can only have one child under 1yr old (this includes your own).

I looked into it but seemed too much hassle for the not great pay/hours.

Good luck