Advice from fellow childminders......

[KaySamuels]

As most of you know my home life is very up in the air right now and I am seriously considering leaving DP. However being a cm and in the middle of an nvq complicates things slightly.

I have 4 weeks notice on my contract, is there any way this notice period wouldn't have to be given? I am sure it would be but what if DP turned horrid and kicked me out? (It's his house) In an ideal world I would need to stay here a little longer to get nvq finished and get prepared.

I am not sure if I would want to cm as a single parent, and think I would concentrate on DS and myself, but if I moved and anted to conitnue how long does it take to sort out with Ofsted if I move house and want to carry on childminding?

Kay, I am sorry that things with your dp have got to this stage & I hope that you make the right decision for you & your ds.
With regards to moving, my understanding is that you can carry on minding with the existing children as soon as you are ready as long as you advise Ofsted in writing along with a full risk assessment of your new home. Then once you have received your new certificate, (they don't neccessarily do an inspection) you can then advertise for neew children if you should need to.
If you move into rented property make sure you get the landlord's permission to childmind in writing & make sure your insurance company are aware of you childminding from a rented property.

That's right. Ofsted used to inspect your new home before you could start, but they changed the rules and I think they only come out now if you haven't been registered long, or its been ages since your last inspection or you got a lower grade last time or something like that.

You would have to give the notice as stated in your contract unless there is any clause in your contract that provides for an exception.(eg, I've got one that applies if the family is abusive, violent). If you can't provide childcare during the notice period you will have to pay the parent in lieu of notice. But, in that eventuality I would hope to come to an agreement with parents to pay in installments.

I would choose, if possible, to re-open in the new home, taking unpaid holiday if necessary during the move. Although parents may choose to give notice instead, if the new location is not so convenient to them. Maybe you know other childminders who might consider taking on any of your mindees on a temporary basis? Or if any of the parents would consider your providing care in their home on a temporary basis?

Anyway, whatever you decide to do, ( ( ( H U G S ) ) ) cos we nearly split up last year, I know how horrible and complicated it is having to face these choices.

oh Kay - i'm sorry you're having a rough time - i would imagine you'd be better off not working as a lone parent.

i know a c/m who moved quite a while ago - she's not been inspected in the new house and was just given a new certifacate.
when i was a single parent i went to work one day a week - i found i really needed it just to get out and talk to grown-up's - and not about children.