How do I become a Childminder?

[Lazylou]

I am level 4 qualified, working to level 5 at the moment with a view to completing EYPS in the future (maths skills allowing!) and was just wondering how I would go about it?

At the moment, because of my tenancy agreement, it's just a query, but following a recent episode at work in day nursery, I am thinking of alternative ways to use my qualifications and experience, without having to give up childcare altogether. My only experience has been in pre-school and day nursery so would be grateful for any thoughts.

I did briefly flirt with the idea of becoming a nanny, mainly from reading all the numerous threads on MN about unsuitable nannys, but the fact that I can't drive and I will have 2 children will mean that practically no-one would take me on, which is quite a sad thought actually, because I think I would make a pretty good nanny actually. At least with childminding, I can juggle my kids and my job.

Sorry, waffling on now, but would be grateful for any responses from those of you in the know

Come on, don't be shy

Although your qualifications are fab, you won't need any of them for childminding! You need to contact you local authorities Early years team and take it from there.

First port of call is your local sure start, who will tell you where and when there will be a Childminders Briefing being held.

Get yourself on that, it will tell you if CM is for you, and tell you where and when the next course will begin.

Then come back to us in the staff room

Must stop calling them Early Years!!! Can't teach an old dogs new tricks eh?

I have [preen] Im up with the youngsters see

Actually its the CIS round here anyway!

God ne're wonder we all get told different things, when different agencies train new CM's

By the way still not talking to DH [frown]

Well there you go, shows how much I actually know about childminding then doesn't it?! I thought you had to be qualified. Don't worry Maureen, I still refer to them as Early Years , like you say, old habits and all that!

Shoshe, thanks for pointing me in the direction of Sure Start. I can't believe I didn't think of them in the first place [dim emoticon]

Hey, ours is the Early Years team at the council/Family Info Service - never been told it's now surestart???