Becoming a childminder?? advise please

[debs227]

I am looking for work that i can do that fits around my children.
I have phoned up my local authority to enquire about becoming a childminder and they were so pleased i had enquired as they are desperate for childminders in my area, there is only one i know of.
I just want to know from other CM's what the pro's and con's are and any other advise you can give me.
I have two children DD is 5 at school and DS is 3 has started preschool.

Hi there have been a couple of threads this past week about juggling own families with minded children. It can be very hard at times but also very rewarding.

The main changes that I have experienced are being constantly watched, being aware of what you do and when, your house isn't your home anymore, posters up, fire exit signs, reg forms etc. Paperwork is ongoing, some minders enjoy ok then don't mind it and realise it's monetering thing others hate it.

You will need to do lots of training both initially and ongoing, so be aware that you will have to juggle your own family as it's usually evenings / weekends. People who say they are looking for a stay at home job that fits in with their own familys tend to find that it's not as simple as that. My family fits around my mindees .

You will find some LA's are very supportive others arn't, yours sounds positive though so thats a good thing.

I don't have any posters or fire exit signs up in my house.

I've childminded for ten years this year and my DCs have really benefitted from me being there for them. It has been great to be at home for the school holidays and being there at the beginning and end of the school day has kept me really in touch with that part of their lives.

I have a playroom which has my toys in and I share them with everyone. My DCs toys are in their own rooms and if they get them out they have to share them.

Yes the paperwork is a pain but you don't have to do that much. There's a lot of scare-mongering about it (not that I'm saying previous poster is doing that!).

It can be tiresome having to keep your house babyproof and having it on show to parents every day but when your own are young you don't notice that so much.

I'm glad I did it.

Childiminding 2 years in Sept. Also got four kids of my own. I mind five children.

Pros

I am available if I needed for my kids.
You can choose your hours, I have decided not to work before 07.30 or after 18.00. Tried both and not comfortable with those times.

Training course etc available to enhance your business.

Interesting line of work as you get involve with some many activiities.

I get suppport from Mumsnet, my local children centre,toy library, recently started attending a new childminders group. Bril!!

Cons

You have to be ready to deal with different issues that may arise with the children ie behaviour challenges. Ensure you get the support of the parents.

Be ready to take on paper work, especially with the unders fives. I have two under fives who have diaries.

I do not regret doing childminding. I have had my challenges but I am wiser now. If you really want to childmind go for it.

My advice is do not take on too many children to start with. If you take on too much you may start to feel overwhelmed.

Thank you.

I wasn't thinking of taking on too many children but i just love watching them grow and helping them and i would still have my son at home. We have lots of play sessions which i can access and a local family centre. Lots of places to go for walks and outdoor parks.
Everyone tells me i am very good with children and that is why i have thought about it as a career.
We have a lovely home in a quiet cul de sac and i have a conservatory which feeds straight out onto a large decked area and garden, so i just thought it would be ideal.

Alot of people have told me not to do it as there is too much paperwork, but there is such a need in my area for childminders, especially ones that can pick/up collect from preschools and after school that i think it may be worth it.

My other option is to go and work part time in an office whilst my son does three long days at nursery! which if i'm honest makes me feel quite sad

Thank you.

I wasn't thinking of taking on too many children but i just love watching them grow and helping them and i would still have my son at home. We have lots of play sessions which i can access and a local family centre. Lots of places to go for walks and outdoor parks.
Everyone tells me i am very good with children and that is why i have thought about it as a career.
We have a lovely home in a quiet cul de sac and i have a conservatory which feeds straight out onto a large decked area and garden, so i just thought it would be ideal.

Alot of people have told me not to do it as there is too much paperwork, but there is such a need in my area for childminders, especially ones that can pick/up collect from preschools and after school that i think it may be worth it.

My other option is to go and work part time in an office whilst my son does three long days at nursery! which if i'm honest makes me feel quite sad

Agree with all the posters and would add that your dp and children will have to be fully supportive in this.. childminding is a 'family business' and its only fair to the mindees that your own children and partner welcome them as well... not always as easy as it sounds that one....

on the whole though its a great life and lots of fun imo..

Hi All :)
I'm just going through the application process to becoming a childminder! I cant wait to have a job that I can enjoy and find rewarding! I know loads of child minders who all love it!
I also have a 4 year old who is now in full time school, I have a boring reception job 1 til 5.30 so because of this I'm not seeing him from 9 til when i finish, altough he will have to share my time! he will get to see me more.
Im just a bit worried about the ofsted check!
What can I expect? and do you have to wait for the check before you can begin? Also does anyone know the actual price??
Thanks to any replies :)
Louise

Hi
If you work loads of hours you may get minimum wage if you only count the hours that the kids are there.
Ofsted lady (usually lady) comes and sits and chats ands watches you play with kids. Not that daunting if you are used to bosses breathing down your neck. A few hours later with lots of typing on her part and she'll give you a grade. You LA will give you advice and ncma can advise too so if you are willing to ask for help setting up it is available.