Advice on becoming a childminder?

Sandwich

I’m thinking of becoming a childminder as I don’t enjoy my current job and would like to be able to spend more time at home with my toddler (who’s one). However I would really appreciate some advice as to how to get started. 

In particular is it better to go through an agency or do it solo? And what should I budget for all in? (I already have an enhanced DBS due to my current job working at a college for students with disabilities). 

Also how quickly can I get set up. The sooner the better for me!

HampshireH

Are you qualified in childcare (sorry you didn't say so a valid question?)

One of the main influences when we were looking for childcare was someone who didn't become a childminder because they wanted to spend time with their pre school kids. It always worried me mine would be treated differently compared to the minders own or that their experience in childcare was only in their own parenting.

As a minimum I'd expect childcare qualifications, experience of looking after other people's children in a formal setting and knowing the full milestones and expectations at each ages your hoping to be paid to look after, first aid qualifications, full insurances (don't forget for the car too).

And be ofsted registered.

You'll need a range of suitable child car seats and to work out what your offer actually includes and what hours you would be prepared to work.

For example if your child has a set routine would you be working 8-4 or 9-5 when parents are in full-time work. Or would you be offering less flexible hours?

Will you be including snacks or do they bring their own. Do you include day trips entry costs as part of your fee or are they seperate add ons?

The above is just a parent perspective who uses a fantastic childminder

MalMonroe

Hi, I agree with Hampshire H, above. Childminding isn't something you can just dive into because you have a child of your own. My daughter's an adult now but I worked part-time when she was small and she was looked after by my parents, who I trusted implicitly. However, when looking for a childminder, most parents are extremely vigilant and particular, with very good reason.

One of my friends (who doesn't have her own children) trained for three years, full time, to gain qualifications (NVQ) to be a childminder - and that was on top of her having a BA Hons degree in teaching.

It isn't a fast process - and nor should it be. So if you're hoping it is, you might want to have a bit of a re-think.

Here's some vital information from the government -

https://www.gov.uk/become-childminder-nanny/register-childminder

All the best, if you do decide to embark upon this career. (But your own child may be at junior school before you are in a position to start.)

BrassicWoman

You could work for a nursery where your own child had a place - that would be an easier start. Someone else taking care of all the legislation.

cr1mson

My friend was a childminder and it is certainly not the easy ride and a chance to spend time with your own kids. She did it once her 2 kids were of school age but then one drunken night and #3 was on the horizon. She stopped once #3 was born and didn't return as preferred to work a different job as felt too hard to child mind whilst her child was so young.

Sandwich

I was hoping to hear people's actual experiences of becoming a childminder in the recent past, and how difficult/costly it is.

I understand that it is a difficult job and not a walk in the park. Working for a nursery isn't as appealing because nursery fees are so high. Putting our own child in would cost us ~£200/week. If I childmind at home I know our little one will count as a 'client', but we will be saving a lot of money in fees, while also making money via the other children I'll be looking after (only planning on having 2–3). 

HampshireH

I think my response was quite valid. You don't mention whether you are qualified or have any experience of childcare in a professional capacity.

If not you will need to add that training /qualification costs to the list of other costs I mentioned

Own_Worst_Enermy

Very difficult. I remember going to a child minder who wasn’t ‘registered as such’ as just looking after me and my brother in early 90’s for ‘pocket money’ the child minders own daughters were not happy and let cat out of bag back then to school teachers, social services called very quickly and I’m sorry a two series drama The Club on nearly 10 years re forced why the whole child minding isn’t desirable. It’s not just you but anyone you live with who goes and gets into trouble unforeseen can bring you into disrepute. But I appreciate there are children who have been returned to their natural parents in the last couple of years who have inflicted the most horrific of injuries often outstripping their age alone, resulting in their very premature death so it makes a mockery of what our innocent child minder went through.

Any care work with persons of any age you need the fullest in protection, in this day and age, whether baby/toddlers to the very elderly.

Marcon

Sandwich said:

I was hoping to hear people's actual experiences of becoming a childminder in the recent past, and how difficult/costly it is.

I understand that it is a difficult job and not a walk in the park. Working for a nursery isn't as appealing because nursery fees are so high. Putting our own child in would cost us ~£200/week. If I childmind at home I know our little one will count as a 'client', but we will be saving a lot of money in fees, while also making money via the other children I'll be looking after (only planning on having 2–3). 

If you look at https://www.gov.uk/become-childminder-nanny that gives an indication of costs for registration etc.

Look on your local council's website for information on becoming/registering as a child minder. A mine of useful info - e.g. https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/childcare-professionals/starting-your-childcare-career/become-a-registered-childminder

Savvy_Sue

A friend who used to do this said your first purchase should be a large, lockable filing cabinet. You will have to keep records: what activities you offered, what each child did, ate and excreted, sleep patterns etc. Then you'll have to keep these records until the youngest child is an adult.

There used to be the NCMA but it seems now to be part of https://www.childcare.co.uk/

Spendless

When mine were younger (youngest is now 20) I didn't know a single childminder who hadn't started doing it for the same reasons you've stated. I don't know any who came from a background of child related qualifications/degrees  first. Some continued to do it after their kids grew up. The process didn't used to be that long, certainly under a year. I'd start my googling childminding services in your area, I'm sure they'll be something that gives you a link or number to contact to start the process off.