I would like to become a childminder, any advice please?

[mummyloveslucy]

I would like to become a childminder. I am working nights at the moment and hate it. I just wondered if it's hard to get children to look after and is there times when you might be out of work?. If anyone has any advice at all, i'd be greatful.

Umm - Yes it can be hard to find children & you do have times when you have no children & no income

I earnt nothing after expenses this year (estimated atm)

But I do like it

i found it took me a good year to get established as i've found most work comes via word of mouth - due to the ever increasing ammount of childminders in my area it is tough to fill all your spaces - and yes you can definately find yourself without a wage you were counting on if;for example i/my family are ill and i cannot work i don't get paid - also if mindees parent was to lose their job that obviously has a knock-on effect so it's not a very stable job

BUT it is a great job

Same as the others have said really. If its your only household income, then I don't think I would recommend it. It does take a couple of years to get established, but its an incredibly rewarding job in the end.