Is childminding a possibility for me.

[Think1andthink2]

After having a bit a career crisis I have had had an epiphany of sorts that prehaps I could go into childminding. I currently work in a family care based roll within a charity but my dream has always been to work from home.

Reasons I believe might help, I have a full enhanced DBS check, I’m a qualified nursery nurse, my children are all teenagers, we live in quite big house with 3 reception areas and a huge garden..

Things I’m not sure if would be helpful. I don’t drive, our house while big is military accommodation and we have a dog (Labrador)

Can anyone tell me if this something that could work or am i completely fooling myself. I wondered also if it’s possible to start a childminding business with someone else.

Any advice would really be much appreciated

I wouldn’t let you look after my DC with that dog in the house.

Are there restrictions on your military housing about operating a business from there? That would put you out of the running straight away.

@Danikm151 this is also something I’m wondering, I’m sure I have head of other military wife’s running a child minding business from their home and I know in my last patch one of the houses had been turned into a pre school but that was 9/10 years ago so I guess things might have changed.

Driving isn’t essential but it does depend on whether schools/activities etc are within walking distance. You need to consider what you can offer outside of the house during the holidays ie not just your garden or one local park.
Some parents will see a family dog as a bonus particularly if their work commitments mean they can’t have one. Other parents would not consider a childminder with a family dog.
Many years ago I used to childmind and had two or three dogs as well as a cat or two, chickens, rabbits and a hamster or gerbils.
The kids loved it as did their parents.

Is your military housing estate open for non military folk to drive through or is it a gated one?

Is there a primary school within walking distance? Otherwise without driving you wouldn't be able to offer school pickups which would limit your market a lot.

The dog would be a no from me, but others might feel differently.

The problem with being military is how long you will be around as well, how long to the next posting to are you going to be there for a good few years

Thanks everyone for the input.

I would obviously declare dog but I wouldn’t have her near children, to protect her as much as anyone else as she is an old lady and can be a bit grumpy. We can definitely work around her though DH can take to work, dog sitters/walkers. She does just sleep most of the day and we have a large secure upstairs area, lots of options. Just didn’t know if once you ticked yes on a form to being a dog owner you were discounted.

The Primary school is walkable, but it’s quite a big and hilly walk and I think might be a bit much for little legs. I would likely advertise as a pre school childminder. It’s also the age range that I have most experience in (excluding my own!)

We are definitely here for the next 3 years so I think long enough to establish a business and I’m also hopeful living somewhere with lots of young families moving in would be beneficial as childcare always needed.

My best friend put both her children form 9 months old with a child minder who has a huge German shepherd, never met a more placid dog & the child minder was very clear that dog was never left with children alone ( for both their sakes ) . Lots of people are dog lovers , that won't bother them as long as they meet and are ok with the dog .
The driving may limit your activities but if you're walking distance to park can't see that being a a huge issue , most childminders spend the majority of time of time in their oen homes .
I can't help you re the army housing , but good luck