Becoming a childminder health reference

[mochachoca]

I am thinking of becoming a childminder, however can see I have to have a health reference from my GP. I have suffered from depression on and off over the years, non medicated but its on my health records, does anyone know if because of this I won't be allowed to become a childminder? I have children of my own who are growing up fine.

Thanks

Depression isn't an automatic no - even if you're on medication. Your health check will be looked at by a company who do occupational health checks; first by a nurse and then by a GP or specialist if the info in your reference from your own GP gives them any cause for concern. If they still need more information they might contact you and ask some questions or get you in for a medical check or face to face talk about particular areas of concern such as how do you hope with particular stresses.

They are just looking at whether you are physically and mentally capable and safe to be in sole charge of several young children. If you have been managing your day to day life fine with your depression then it's very unlikely it would cause them to say you're medically unsuitable.

I have yet to meet a prospective childminder who has been turned down or rejected because of their past depression.

As squirrel42 says, they are just looking as to whether you are physically and mentally fit to be in the sole charge of several young children.

Thank you ladies