Any good advice out there? Can I childmind whilst registering?

[Enthusia]

Hi, I am going through the first stages of child minding, but my initial meeting isn't until October and then it will be at least 3 months until I will be registered. Can I childmind whilst registering or do I need to wait?

I am a teacher, have two young children of my own and am currently working in a nursery, which I really dislike due to the wierd policies. I registered as a childminder 6 years ago but then was offered a job in Thailand so never actually got started. I would really like to start minding over the school holidays, then maybe do wrap around care in the new school year, so waiting until at least January seems very far away! I definitely can't keep working in my nursery until then.

Any thoughts?

Hi Enthusia

I'm afraid it's a no to your question. I know there are unregistered childminders out there but for most parents being registered is important as a lot of them claim vouchers etc. and they can't do this unless you have your Unique Reference Number which is what you get when Ofsted send you your 'official' letter.

I was registered for four years then gave up to work in a reception class which didn't work out and when I wanted to go back to childminding had to re-register again and wait for my new URN.

Also, I know you have lots of experience but there is still a lot of things you need to have in place like attendance registers, accident and emergency book, policies, going on various courses that tell you the ins and outs of childminding, first aid course which is mandatory.

I know it's hard but if I were you I would wait.

You won't be able to start until you have the all important certificate.

You could provide care for less than 2 hours in any day (day for this purpose being 2am to 6pm). If you were to do that, parents would not be able to use Childcare Vouchers, Tax Credits, and it is unlikely that you would get insurance. So it's really a non-starter.

One ossible thing I can think of, if you really felt you had to leave nursery, would be for you to become a nanny and care for children in the child's own home. This would limit your income and make you an employee of the family.

You are best really sticking it out at nursery until your certificate arrives. Other thing that may be possible is to register with teaching temp agencies, to see if you would get enough supply work - but it will depend on your teaching experience, subject area etc.