Becoming a childminder

[mlj123]

Hi all

So I've worked in hospitality all my working life, however I have just gone onto maternity with my dd. I love my job but now I have 2 children hospitality is not the most family friendly of industries, I do a lot of late shifts and weekends and work above my hours most of the time. Since going onto maternity leave with dd it has really made me realise how much time I'm missing out on with my children. I love children and have always been around young children due to having 5 younger siblings too. I would really like to become a childminder. I think working with children would be really exciting and rewarding also I would get to be with my own children too. I keep thinking that childminding could be a good career change for me. However I look online and see so many experienced childminders already and then think to myself why would anyone pick me. Also it's all new to me. I was sent some information from my local council about eyfs and developments matters etc and there was all so much it seemed so daunting. Considering this is all new to me has anyone got any advice at all?

Hi, I have just left childminding, and while it worked for me when my own 2 were younger it no longer does. How old are your children as they will be counted in your numbers? If both under 3 years old you will only be able to take on 1 early years child.

@Apple40

Hi, I have just left childminding, and while it worked for me when my own 2 were younger it no longer does. How old are your children as they will be counted in your numbers? If both under 3 years old you will only be able to take on 1 early years child.

My dd is almost 5 weeks old and my ds is 6

I've been doing it nearly 20 years.
Get a personal pension. I don't and it was a MASSIVE mistake.

I make really good money when I'm full. I love being my own boss.
I have been able to be around a lot for my children but have sometimes had to miss an assembly etc. Once a parent forgot to collect their child so I missed parents evening. There has been a reduction in paperwork lately but I never found it too burdensome.

Your house will get trashed most days, so it's not a career for the houseproud!

It can be tiring and rewarding in equal measure.

I'm happy to answer any questions

@ElsaandAnna

I've been doing it nearly 20 years. Get a personal pension. I don't and it was a MASSIVE mistake.

I make really good money when I'm full. I love being my own boss.
I have been able to be around a lot for my children but have sometimes had to miss an assembly etc. Once a parent forgot to collect their child so I missed parents evening. There has been a reduction in paperwork lately but I never found it too burdensome.

Your house will get trashed most days, so it's not a career for the houseproud!

It can be tiring and rewarding in equal measure.

I'm happy to answer any questions

Which is the best childcare course to take. I was pointed one the direction of one at a college from my local authority. However with a newborn it would be a lot better to do an online course. I was looking at to start with the hbca course with pacey and the childcare company. Have you heard of this one or do you know any other online ones that would be good?

I did an in person one with the county council but this was 20 years ago.
Pacey ( formerly NCMA) are experts so I'd look at that.
You are going to,need a 12 hour paediatric first aid course too. You can probably do part of that online ( Covid)but at least some of it will need to be in person.