What is it like being a childminder? Its just occurred to me that I could have a job AND see my own children....

[padboz]

...but I guess thats not the right reason to do it.

I currently use one (I am a computer programmer). I want to do something more fulfilling with my time and its only just occurred to me today that I could actually do that AND not have to say goodbye to my own children every morning.

I have 2 little ones - 2 and 3 and am used to having lots more around so know it would be hard work. I would imagine having a similar aged tot around would be nice.

Can I ask what sort of wage a childminder is on in the south east that only has space for one child?

If you have two of your own children under 5 then you would only be allowed 1 more under 5. Might not be worth your while on only £40-£50 per day.
Oh, just realised you already know you would only be allowed one other child. You will have a huge amount of paper work btw, I wish there was something else I could do tbh. Unfortunately CMing is my only option as I wouldn't be able to afford childcare while I go out to work.
If you like paperwork, are very organised and never procrastinate then this could be the job for you!

Oh and last but not least, you need to quite like children too

you could also have older children before and after school
it is a massive amount of bureaucracy imo

hi fruity. I earn a fairly decent wage at the moment but I'm miserable as sin doing what I do and miss my children. Its difficult to figure out what the take home pay would work out at - there are 5 child minders in our village I have just found out and they charge the same amount - £4 per hour and £3.50 for siblings. I'd need to do afterschool care, wouldn't I? hmmm

I really do love children, thats no issue.
The bureaucracy is unpaid - I need to take that into account. Unpaid time away from DH after they go to bed as well as a significant pay cut is a sobering thought.

Yes, after school care would up your income a bit. Don't forget you would need to pay tax out of it. Unless you are really clever with expenses - unfortunately I'm not

With five minders already in your village, would you be able to fill your space?

good grief fruity - they have waiting lists form here to forever. When I needed to change it was a total nightmare. Its a nice enough village with a good ofstead school, 8 miles from a city. Its crawling with women like me with little ones!

what expenses? heating etc?

Perfect then Round here (Colliers Wood) there seem to be more CMs than children unfortunately - a bit of a worry for me really.

Expenses can be almost anything really. A third off heating and lighting bills, 10% water, 10 % council tax, 10% rent (not mortgages though ), 10% off your total income for wear and tear. You also don't need a receipt for anything £10 and under - although I try to keep every receipt just in case.
Also 40p per mile for use of car.
Some people are so clever with their expenses that they hardly pay any tax at all.

hmmm - what stops you doing it then?

ofsted (slaps forehead)

at Ofsted. They want us to do paper work instead of watching the children.
I'll be damned if I'm doing it in my own time - I have my own family to attend to!
So all those injuries that happen whilst we are busy form filling need to be put on a form too

I have to say that if I could afford to go out to work then I would.
I'm the world's worst procrastinator and have the biggest pile of receipts (about 7 months worth) to sort out
Gotta go now, nap time over!

hi padz, cming is a lovely job BUT even though you get to spend time with your little ones the other childrent ake up alot of your time too. I have struggled this last year (dd is just4) as she needed more time than i had to give considering i had two other littler ones to look after. I'm considering giving up as she starts full time school in jan so don't need to be at home during the day, am looking at teaching assistant maybe.

just didn't want you to think its all roses! the paperwork side is a headache but is acheivebale! is there anyway you could cut down to part itme work and pay less childcare, so maybe have a mummy day once a week?

good luck in finding the balance

i love it yes hate all the paper work lov e the kids and get to stay at home 2 it works for me and my brude of 4 but u need to do home work on if its needed in your area u could get qualified and just hang fire with it till yrs r older

I started cming to be with my boys. Infact I've ending up far better off financially. But its still a job that you have to be committed to fullfiiling and sort out your own children where possible when you are working. I cant get to school plays for example unless I book time off with some of my mindees as the school only gives you 2 tickets (due to space) and I would need 4 tickets to take the little ones with me. Hubby has to take our kids to dentist or doctors. Mine are still in primary school so homework not too important yet, but it can still be difficult for them to concentrate with 3 little ones and an after schooler in the house.

I love it as a job. But it isnt a job it is a way of life. You always have it on your mind collecting resources and ideas and making plans.