Wanting to become a childminder

[Firsttimebabymummy]

Are there any childminders on here that could offer some advice please.

There are currently no childminders in our village, there is one in the next village and then the rest are a short drive away into town.

Due to the funded hours I suppose others could be setting up, but at the moment we are in need around here!

I do have a baby, and would want to start when she is 1- 18months. Would that put people off?
I was thinking just 2 or 3 children in addition to my own. It's not really about the money.

Could I have some advice on how to set up? What I need to do and how much it would cost.
I've seen lots of agencies advertising but I'd rather do it on my own.

We have a nice home with secure garden (land and horses too if that would be a potential issue)

I could make a play room in the spare room upstairs or use downstairs living/diner space.

Is there anything I maybe haven't thought of?

Thank you xx

It is a good idea to start researching now. There is definitely a demand for childminders where I live. To register independently you would need to go through Ofsted, there is the process on their website. Basically it would involve you and any other adults in the house having DBS Checks done, have a valid Paediatric First Aid Certificate (which has to be renewed every three years) and be au fiat with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) plus Safeguarding plus undergo a Health Check. Currently there is a grant that can be claimed once you have registered of £800 which helps to cover start up costs.
Children wise, as you have a baby you would be able to care for 2 children who are under 5 (not at school) plus 3 children between 5 & 8 years old, then you could have older children but their care must not impact on the care of the younger children. The final number of under 8's you can be registered for will also depend on the space available to work from. The practicalities of an upstairs playroom may possibly make it difficult to use if you have to use a bathroom or kitchen on different floors. If you want to ask Ofsted questions about the process you can do so on the "Childcare Registration" page on Facebook, plus there are two organisations you can join for advice and access to training etc, either PACEY or Childminding UK.

Do you have any sort of background/experience in looking after children, other than your own baby? You'd have to do an introduction to childminding practice course as part of your registration, but thinking about it as a parent looking for childcare - if you've got a 3yo and are looking for childcare for them, would you be confident someone in your position could handle two 3yos plus your own baby and go out to the park etc and manage them all together.

I'm a childminder. Feel free to DM me.