Childminding

[Dajstar]

Anyone know where you start if you want to become a childminder..... ?

Do you have any choice as regards hours etc.. any general information would be appreciated.

Many thanks for any replies.

[Buenchico]

Many council websites hold information about becoming a childminder. This is from Suffolk County Council but the information applies throughout England & Wales:
http://www.suffolk.gov.uk/EducationAndLearning /EarlyEducationAndChildcare/ForProviders/Child minding/BecomingRegistered/ChildmindingQuestio ns.htm

Note that childminders have to register with Ofsted's Early Years Directorate. This involves an inspection of your house to ensure that it's safe for young children and that it's equipped with plenty of learning activities. It also involves a check with the Criminal Records Bureau.

Chris

[wilson83]

Hi,

ive been a registered childminder (still am, just no work in my area). It can be a very lengthy process, i had to attend an introduction evening with my husband to find out more information and meet other minders and local authority. Then I had to enroll in a five week course in basic child minding skills. You have to pass this to go any further, but this is bascially a common sense course. Then you send of your application, they arrange and pay for your CRB checks (along with anyone over 16 living in the house), then an inspector comes to assess whether you are physcially and mentally able and whether the house is suitable etc. Then you can wait anywhere up to about 2 months to be registered. It took me from start to finish 9 months to get registered. you cannot mind until you have your certificate from OFSTED.Then of course there could be no work at the end of it, which unfortunately has happened to me. My area is overloaded with minders all struggling to get business. I have had to return to full time work at a company to pay the bills and unless I move will not be able to mind. Childminders are self employed, running a business from home. It's vitally important to be organised and know basic business skills to succeed. Being self employed does mean however that you can choose your own hours, fees, days off etc. But you have to consider your competition, so you don't outprice yourself. OFSTED are helpful for information, but I would highly reccommend attending a day centre that minders in your area attend to find out the real in's and out's of the job. Hope this helps!