Childminding - How do I start and will I be successful?

[nikki1978]

Hi,

I am about to move and my partner and I have decided I will need to work when we are living in our new house. I have thought about it a lot and think that childminding is the way ahead as I have always loved being at home with my kids and taking them out and about. The house I will be living in is actually my parents house which I will be renting from them. It is a very big house with a huge garden (although the patio area is very raised so quite dangerous for kids). My brother also lives there but is at work most of the week.

What do I need to do? The area I will be living in is Croydon and I would like to start working as soon as possible to the beginning of Sept.

I am a bit worried that my lack of experience (except for my 2 children who are 1 and 3) will put people off.

Any tips would be appreciated.

Nikki

Hi Nikki1978, welcome the the wonderful world of childminding. Have you got a Childrens Services near you. They will point you in the right direction. You might be a bit ambitious to want to start in September though. It took me about 8 months from the initial enquiry to Childrens Svs to getting my registration. When you get on the initial childminding course CIQC, they will tell you how to make your house safe etc. Then Ofsed will give you an initial check to make sure you and everyone over the age of 16 are police checked and to make sure your house is safe etc as well as an interview to make sure you and your partner are suitable candidates. I hope this is helpful. I could go on and on but once you start the ball rolling, things will fit into place.

Don't worry about lack of experience - we all had to start somewhere. My first clients were people who already knew me in the community - committee members, people whose children were friends with mine, neighbours etc.

Word of mouth is the best advert IMO. So tell your friends, neighbours & relatives that you are registering and have some business cards printed so they can pass them on to their friends & work colleagues.

If you have any references from past employers or character references (not from relatives!), they might reassure parents even if they're not childcare related.

Its unlikely you'll be up and running by september I'm afraid. Contact your CIS today www.childcarelink.org.uk and ask to get on the next available pre-registration meeting. They'll tell you more about what coolj has said about the current procedure. At the meeting, ask about start-up grants, getting on a first aid course asap, and buddy schemes.

Hi Nikki,

You need to be Ofsted registered to childmind at home. You will need to contact your local childrens information service (there will be a link from your local council website).

Ditto what coolJ says about taking a while to register. The timeframe is anything from 3mnths-12mnths from your first enquiry. Here you have to attend a meeting, then a pre registration course, then you get your forms, then you have to get your medical form and apply for crb checks (all people over 16 living in your house have to have a crb check). Then you have an ofsted visit, then you get your certificate. Then you have to attend another course and 2 days first aid...... I know it sounds a little daunting but is really worth it Its a great job, so rewarding and while hard work its lots of fun too.

I don't expect your lack of expereince will put people off, you do have two children of your own

Good luck

Hi Nicky, i'm in the middle of the ICP (introduction to childminding practice) Which is part 1 of the DHC (Diploma in Home based Childcare).
I don't have any formal childcare qualifications either but i think a love of children and imagination when it comes to playtime is a must.
I've helped out at the playschool for the last 4 years and enjoy it and i've got two lovely girls of 6 and 3 so i think i've got enough experience!
I'm just waiting to get through the exam in a couple of weeks time, then i can get the ball rolling on the registration process proper.
In our county they advise you to pass the exam first BEFORE sending in the application form and you are only allowed two attempts
Don't know if that means there are too many childminders around here.
When i register i'll be the only childminder within 2 square miles! but i'm out in the countryside but lots of main roads pass nearby so may get somebody.
Good luck with you future career.

hi Niki
if you start childminding (depending on floor space) you will be allowed to cm 1 child under 5 (because of your own children) and 3 children aged 5-8yrs old

when you move in your new home get out and about with your own children to toddler groups etc and get your face known as word of mouth is the best

its a great time to start as Ofsted are introducing EYFS from sept so you wont have to change as you wont know any different

go to your workshops and you will soon feel more confident and experienced

good luck