Want to start childminding - Advice Please

flis21

Hi All,

I was wondering if there are any childminders on this thread who could offer me some advice.

I currently work in a day nursery and am a qualified nursery nurse and primary school teacher. I am now expecting my own little one. I would like to stay at home once the baby is born, but once my maternity pay has run out I will need to earn a small income.

I am seriously considering child minding and would like some advice about how to start. Did you have to make many changes to your home? Did you have to spend a lot on toys / equipment when you started? Do you prove lunches / food? If so are these charged for seperately or in with the normal fees? Do you provide nappies or do the children bring their own? How did you work out your fees? Do you invoice weekly / monthly / termly? Are the invoices done in advance or arrears?

Was a little concerned as I live in a two bedroom flat, but have seen something that says as long as it is a reasonable size (we have a huge living room) and that there is some opportunity for nearby outdoor play (we live round the corner from a huge park) that it should be ok. Also tho, I have a pet rabbit who lives in a cage in the front room. Could I move him into the bedroom during the day or do you think I will have to get rid of him. (Really don't want to, but have to be sensible, if that is all that is going to stop me doing this).

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Flis

lee8040

i think you will have to make some changes to the place to make it child safe as you would do at nursery premises. things like secured doors maybe covering the kitchen or seals to prevent children trapping there hands in the door, things like that

Savvy_Sue

Have you found the NCMA site? Also Ofsted who register childminders. I believe it takes a while to get registration through so worth enquiring well before baby is born.

I know there are some childminders or ex childminders who post sometimes on the families board - if you searched over there maybe you could PM them?

nickj_2

my wife was a child minder 3 years ago , we had to put safety locks on all windows , kithcen units etc , install linked mains smoke detectors and generally make sure your house is safe for children
she did charge extra for food , parents provided things such as nappies , wipes etc . she would give parents a written contract at the start with and a form with all medical details etc ,

a word of warning , it is a tough gig if you are looking after kids all day , there's no rest until they go home , i think people think you stay at home and plonk them in front of t.v all day and put your feet up ,
i think child minders come under ofsted , you have to show inspectors what activities you will provide

good luck

bylromarha

Congrats on the bundle to be!

Was in the same position as you 3 years ago, qualified primary teacher and thinking childminding was a good way to earn some extra money. It is, but it's a huge commitment. Plus OFSTED still looms!!!!!

whilst I was pregnant, I went to an introductory evening for potential childminders, run by the local council. It opened my eyes to what was needed, answered all the questions I had and made me realise it wasn't for me. Maybe your council run a similar scheme?

TBH, with MSE, the drop from 2 salaries to 1 hasn't been as bad as I expected. There are loads of ways to get best value from your money (which you don't get time to discover whilst teaching!)

If managing on 1 salary is really impossible though, another possibility is doing supply work. An supply agency in our city (either select or hays) offers guaranteed work on the days you want to work...you still get paid even if there's no work for you to go to. They recognise you can't organise childcare after an 8am phonecall; works really well for a friend plus 2 days teaching a week will give you as much money per month as looking after an additional child or 2 full time.

60north

A freind employs a part time nanny to go to her own home ...she brings her own little girl with her - it's seen as a plus as children all enjoy each others company.....

Have you experience with disabled children /would you be interested ? Social Care in my area pay a good fee for babysitters who are able to help support or babysit children with special needs whilst the parents take a break in the evening

A first baby is a whole new experience! I agree with others - perhaps something outside your own home .. might be less stressful long term you will have to be your own judge of that.

I'm sure you'll find lots of useful advice ...perhaps the bit to concentrate on is finding the one bit that suits your personality best .... but from experience
be aware a new baby may turn plans upside down!!! Also plan for breaks - you'll find they'll be needed as much as the cash!

bylromarha

Asked my friend this morning...it's Hays that do the guaranteed pay scheme.