Thinking of becoming a childminder

[newmummy4]

hiya, wonder if anyone can pass on some wisdom... I am a nanny and have worked with children for over 10 years, I have recently had a lovely baby boy 6 mths and am now thinking about returning to work.

Am finding it quite tricky to find jobs to apply for where can bring baby with, so am now thinking about becoming a childminder. Am a qualified nursery nurse, have CRB, 12 aid ofsted first aid etc.

Could I just ask how long did it take to become registered? and also is it possible to childmind in a flat? (we are in 2 bed masionette with large kitchen, lounge and have a garden)Or anything else I should be thinking of before starting out.

Thanks very much : )

Hi newmummy. I have been a childminder for 11 years. There is a childminding forum that is really good and you will get alot of your questions answered on there. Just google childminding forum. I think the lengh of time process takes probably varies from area to area. It depends on crb's in the post ect. Roughly maybe 4 to 6 months. That is just a guess. Of course you can get registered in a flat. You need to be aware that you will probably be dealing with more families and they will be coming into your home. There is alot more paper work invovled than nannying too. But on the plus side you get to spend time with your own child and be there for them and watch them grow up rather than giving that job to someone else. Good luck.

Unlike nannies, Childminders need to do EYFS, so read up on that via Teachernet.
As a childminder you will be self-employed, so read up about that on HMRC.gov.uk

I agree with happygolucky0, 4 to 6 months is probably realistic in terms of time period. It does vary by location and will vary on other factors as well, including how long CRB checks take on anyone aged 16+ living at your property.

Bromley CMA has lots of info about Policies and Procedures which may be of help to you.

Childminding Help Forum has lots of info as well.

Plus of course look through the many message threads on this section of mumsnet, where you will find that Childminders (CM's) have posted asking others for advice, problems encountered.