Setting up as childminder

[Rubiales678]

Looking for answers to a few questions! I have just quit my teaching job, to do childminding with my 2 year old at home with me. I am currently getting my house and garden ready( lot of work needed in garden). I have been holding off sending my application to Ofsted in case they turned up for the registration visit and I wasn't quite sorted, does this matter or should I just go ahead and submit? Any idea how long it takes for them to come out to visit? I know they say up to 3 months... I don't want to be sat twiddling my thumbs waiting for them to come but also don't want them to turn up and not register me as not quite ready? How much notice do you get before they come? Is the appointment set in a few weeks time etc also I have a gas hob with knobs on the front, do I need safety things on these? Do radiators need covers on them? Does my TV need to be strapped to the wall if it is freestanding on TV stand? Also should I wait to advertise until I am fully registered or is it reasonable to get the word out there before I'm registered? Any help appreciated!!

Bump

I am no longer a childminder but when I was I didn't need radiator covers or tv fixed although some childminders did this. You need to have thorough risk assessments in place to cover any possibility of a young child injuring them self - it's likely you already have these covered with a 2yo yourself tho. If you have patio doors something like stickers on them so it's easy to see when they are shut to minimise risk of child running into closed door!

I was told you cannot advertise until you have been signed off by ofsted as you won't have public liability insurance etc in place. Being an ex teacher I don't think you will have any trouble getting mindees!

Thanks @Aria20 for your response! Great tip for the patio doors that I will definitely do.

I've not long become a registered childminder and you can't advertise until registered. Our registration visit was about 2 months after submitting to Ofsted (back log due to covid)and our registration visit was about 7 hours long -normally about 4 hours but a bit longer for us as there is two of us. I too was a teacher so hopefully you'll know the EYFS pretty well to talk through scenarios etc. As for our house, we did lots beforehand but were in the process of finishing our new kitchen and sorting out some steps and a new patio. And she was absolutely fine about that. We made sure all chemicals, medicines etc are locked away. Things you probably already do with toddlers. Make sure you get your head around the funded hours, extended hours, tax free childcare etc beforehand. And its way better than being a teacher!!🫢

Thanks @Tash6000 that's soo helpful and you've made me feel so much better saying it's way better than teaching ha ha. Sometimes I have moments where I think what on earth have I done giving up a secure job to go self employed but I know it will be worth it

childminding expenses

does anyone know if I buy a circuit for my childminding business to use for craft activities for the children, can I put it through on my expenses?
i currently also have a house printer and pay per month for the pages, if I use it soley for childminding can I put that monthly charge in too?