Want to be an After School Childminder - Advice Needed

[Manoo]

I'm wanting to set up as an After School carer but not sure how to go about it. A friend suggested it and I had envisaged a casual approach - putting a sign up locally advertising my services and hopefully finding a nice mum with two great kids for me to look after for a couple of hours in the aft alongside my toddler.

Of course it's just occurred to me that us mums don't want to leave our kids with any old person who's written a notice and put it in the post office - so perhaps I need to be a registered childminder or something?

Does anyone know if this registration is necessary or advisable? And how easy or difficult it is to register? Also - how much is the going rate for this sort of service? I don't want to overcharge other struggling parents, but don't want to undercharge when I'm struggling for cash myself!

Any advice appreciated.

Well yeah you are supposed to be registered really. If it was a friend who wanted you to have their kids though i wouldn't bother.
I used to be a registered childminder and charged between 1.70 and 2.00 an hour, but i lived in a different area then> If i were doing ti where i live now i would probably charge more.
It's been a awhile since i did it though. Hopefully someone on here is a childminder and will be able to give you better advice.

will need to be ofsted registered/inspected, can be quite lengthy to register. can contact ofsted direct or your local council's early years service or children's information service.

good luck though!

Manoo - Alibubbles is a very experienced childminder. If you do a search under her name, particularly under the topic 'Going back to work/childcare' there's loads of helpful advice, including links to her website and the NCMA (National Childminding Association).

In lots of areas if there are shortages of childminders there can be start-up grants available, and free health & safety courses, and everything else.

HTH

NCMA.org.uk
Childcare Information Service Thro your council
Training courses often free (esp in areas where they are short of childcare) 'Introducing Childminding Practice' 18 Hrs (about) + 12 Hrs First Aid are Req
Start up grant in my area of #300.00
If you want to know more just ask (bit short of time now - back on later)
PS I charge #2.80 but my friend in Watford charged over #5 phr

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