Taking up childminding - Any tips.

[littleoldme]

I'm about to begin the process of becoming a childminder. I'd be grateful for any tips or advice about getting started.

Where are at in the process? Where are you located (England, Scotland, Wales etc.) as legislation varies?
Have you had the initial registration inspection by the regulator?

Find out how many other childminders are in your local area. From other posts on this site, looks like you are in Leeds. Leeds City Council don't list childminders on the usual Governement websites like ChildcareLink so you need to use the Leeds City Council childcare search facility to find out about your local competitors.
Also search for Day Nurseries, as they will also be your competitors, and After-School Clubs (if you are intending to care for school aged children).

Can you tell us a bit about yourself... from your profile it looks as if you have a young baby... is that your only child?

My biggest tip is: Research, Research, Research.
Make sure you know as much as their is to know about your local area, what childcare facilities exist, how much they charge and what they offer, when they open/close etc. Find out as much as you can about competitors, so you can differentiate yourself in the marketplace. Try to answer the question: Why should a parent choose you over Childminder X down the road?

Research childcare legislation, know the rules. Read up on upcoming changes, such as EYFS. Create a business plan... decide how you will market yourself, how much you will spend, how much you will charge, what exactly you will be offering. You could even forecast profit/loss, so you know how many children you need to be caring for, to break even or make profit.

Thanks NN. Lots of really useful advice and links. I apreciate it

I'm still in the thinking about it and ntial research stage

I've got a 15 week old baby. I've been considering a change in career for sometime and really like the idea of childminding. I know there is a huge demand around here.

I Teach secondary school so I do not have rose tinted specs when it comes to looking after kids.

The question at the moment is do I set up now, or go back work until we have number two and do it then.