How do you get your experience?

[Peckarollover]

When your first registered and ready to go will parents be willing to let their child be the first of a newly registered childminder? Has anyone found that to be a problem?

Exactly my concerns when i decided to register as a childminder. However, I was lucky enough to be approached during registration and started the day my registration certificate arrived. Having done stints on preschool & toddler committees I had got to know lots of local families.

Parents do expect some experience, if you are a parent already this may be acceptable. If not, consider helping out at a preschool, toddler group or primary school - if you do this on a regular basis you might also be able to get a reference from them.

In the absence of any experience related references try to get a couple of character references (not from family!)

I have to admit that this was a problem for me and it took me four months before I started working. In the end my first minded child came as a result of a recommendation from their previous childminder as she was a friend of mine. ayla's ideas sound good. Good luck

I was a nanny for 3 years in london

then nanny in canada for a further 3 years.

My first child was through my church and the next 2 through school

Don't worry - but go to Mum & Tots (but don't advertise your self too much) only mention it in passing...it looks better