Can I become a childminder if I have mental health issues?

[abigailthespiderinthehat]

Hoping to become a childminder but unsure if my health would disqualify me. I've always had anxiety and I'm currently peri menopausal, I'm also being investigated for adhd. I'm in Scotland if it makes a difference. Would I have to tell them all this? I don't feel it would affect me doing this job.

I did get a full health check and the ofsted inspector did ask as well if I had had any mental health problems - even anxiety. I replied no to these. I don’t know if this would have stopped me being registered or not.

I would think anxiety is pretty common so I would be surprised if it did affect people being registered.

Did they just ask you or did they need confirmation from the GP or anything?

I seemed to think I had to get a GP letter which I sent off when I registered to be a childminder.

I've found this on the care inspectorate website guidance on applying to become registered.

One thing I would say is people are needing you to be consistent and relatable. If your MH issues will stop you being this then it's not the service to offer.

To be honest I don’t think it’s a great job with the issues you describe, it can be quite isolating, it takes over your home and it’s physically, emotionally and mentally challenging. I know in England you need a health declaration from your gp.

It would depend on how your MH problems affect you as every illness/condition, even anxiety, can affect people differently and have different triggers.

For some people, they wouldn't be able to cope doing it for long or on a regular basis , even if they could do it sometimes. For others, they may be able to.

In Scotland you need a letter from your GP as part of the registration process, w9nt necessarily exclude you but probably best to discuss with GP before starting the process

Going to be honest here and say I wouldn't place my children with someone with known MH issues.

I think there will be other jobs more suitable. Anxiety can have a big effect on children. I would be concerned about someone with anxiety caring for my kids.

Would your mental health condition affect the way you can care for any children in your care? Be honest with yourself at this stage. Treated anxiety is not the same as uncontrolled anxiety for instance,

My mil had severe anxiety and I honestly mean this kindly but I wouldn't have thought she would have been a suitable childminder. In her case neither DH nor his siblings could learn to swim as mil wouldn't allow them to go to a swimming pool despite an excellent public pool literally across the street from them . That's just one example. Obviously OP your anxiety could be much milder

Well you wouldn't know about it would you? It's for ofsted to decide and accept or decline the OP's application based on her GPs report. They also have their own doctors that they sometimes ask applicants to speak to.

You do need a GP health declaration and the mental health issues will need to be detailed.

I was a childminder for 10+ years. Speaking very candidly, looking after several young children, who are not your own, is challenging. You need to remain calm, patient and need to be very organised. If you are doing school runs you need good time keeping and you need to he able to react quickly and efficiently in a range of unexpected scenarios.

I'm sorry but I don't think already having anxiety and potential adhd make childminding a suitable career for you.

Why are you looking to childmind? I feel it is likely to be a lot more challenging and harder work than you are expecting.

As well as passing an application, in realistic terms could you manage?

Do you have experience in minding young children and or working as self employed?
Has your health meant you taken a lot of sick leave from previous jobs?

I think that would help you understand whether this would something you could manage successfully.

id suggest starting small, part time hours and gradually build from there.

Thanks everyone for the replies. My anxiety is controlled, it's the peri that's more the issue. I'm currently signed off work regarding the peri symptoms- which seem to have subsided since being away from work. Thinking a change of job is just what I need. My own children are now all in school and I'd love to have a baby/toddler round the house again. Honestly I don't think i would manage several children but one or two yes. But the medication I'm on/ investigations going on would not look great, and you're right I wouldn't let someone with known mh issues watch my children either

Before now I was off work with mh three times (but each following a miscarriage so understandable) . Think peri has exasperated all my issues, but that does seem to have levelled off , or maybe it's just the fact I'm out of that job for the moment that's helping.

I’m a childminder and have been for the last 14 years. I have been on antidepressants for longer than that which was all noted on my health declaration from the doctor. I also have epilepsy but haven’t had a seizure for around 20 years. Both of those conditions are classed as a risk but they are both managed medically and do not have any adverse effects on my capabilities or passion for the job. Ofsted asked me some questions and are happy for me to be a childminder.

it’s possible but there may be questions asked. My doctor at the time was amazing and write a covering letter stating that neither condition should prevent me from a career that I would be amazing at. Just be prepared that it may not go your way but it’s worth trying.

There are so many people who have mental health problems and still such a stigma attached! I don’t advertise the fact I take any depressants as there are always people, like on this thread, who say they wouldn’t leave their children with someone who is having such difficulties. People have anxiety difficulties in lots of different ways, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are a risk to children or wouldn’t be an amazing childminder who cares and puts their all into creating a wonderful, nurturing and learning environment!

it’s no wonder why people still struggle and are worried about approaching someone for support

Hey , my daughters doctor has ADHD and lots of famous people and professionals plus business people. That's supposed to be a mental health issue but I see it as a superpower . My son has ADHD and is soo clever and got amazing job . Don't let people's opinions go to your head. You just need to get support and the right medication. When you feel ready go for it ! You can do anything you put your mind to!!! Be positive and aim for the sky :) explain to ofstead they will be fine .