Becoming a Childminder ADVICE NEEDED PLEASE!!

superflygal

Hi folks,

Wondered if any MSErs can advise me??

I am due back to work in June, and TBH i cannot bear the thought of leaving my little one with a stranger. So i thought about becoming a childminder.

Is anyone reading this a childminder? Can you advise me what i need to do, how much i can earn etc?? ANY tips would be very gratefully received! My house is a 3 bed (not particularly massive) i reckon they'd let me have a maximum of 3 including my own boy.

Or if anyone reading this uses a childminder, can you advise me on what sort of care you receive, when do you pay your minder and how much do they charge? What activities does the carer do with your child etc.

Many thanks in advance!

Superflygal x

The_Economist

Try contacting NCMA (National Childminding Association). They should give you all the information you need.

superflygal

Thanks Economist,

Have looked, but would like a personal viewpoint if poss?

Superflygal x

Scarlett1

ring your local council and speak to someone and they will arrange for you to attend an induction, there they will tell you the ins and outs and give you an application form, sometimes it can be at least 3 months inbetween inductions so give them a call soon

superflygal

Thanks Scarlett, I'll give that a go!

Superflygal x

nottslass_2

Hi,I went back to work when DS was 6 months .I phoned the local council who sent me a list of registered childminders in my area. We struck very lucky - she was lovely.
At first we obviously provided nappies,milk and baby food etc she then provided sandwiches for lunch etc as he got older.she used to do a diary each day which was wonderful ( still kept that as its lovely to look back on DS babyhood!) also worked with us in regard to potty training etc ( always asking our opinion).Did plenty of "playgroup type" stuff with him,stickies,Christmas activities etc .
Sadly she stopped child minding when Ds was 3 1/2 ,but I can honestly say that her early years influences on him have help shape him into the lovely little boy he is now.He still talks about her now.

Second child minder equally as good,as Ds is now 5,she takes & collects from school and provides an evening meal,which is a godsend,as it means we don't have to worry about tea etc when we collect him. This child minder provides more "paid for" activities in the school holidays ,days out etc,but this is covered in our fees ,but she is more expensive.

We have been very lucky, and couldn't have wished for better with both childminders,after all we were entrusting our most precious possession with a stranger !I don't think you could do this job for the money,you'd really have to do it for love !

Both childminders have commented that "its never the children that are the problem,its always the parents that are the difficult ones ! "

superflygal

Thanks Nottslass,

Some very insightful information there. Do you mind if i ask what you pay for childcare? Do you pay per hour?

I realise its not a well paid job, but i will be giving up a £1000 net a month part time job, and i need to make enough to survive. I really want to do this job as i want to be with my son, and i think having other kids for him to grow up and learn with will be beneficial to his development.

Any extra info you can give will be greatly appreciated.

Superflygal x

nottslass_2

I pay £ 2.80 per hour,but i believe that can differ between areas.I'm allowed 2 weeks holiday per year free,and still pay if DS is poorly.Again this will differ depending on your contract.

I may be wrong but I'm pretty sure that my child minder received some sort of grant to help with set up costs.

Also,if I'm correct 2/ 3rds of what you earn is classed as expenses for tax / benefit purposes.


Hope this helps,if there are anymore questions please feel free to ask

cazad

hi superflygal i am a registered childminder and its a lovely job as long as you dont mind playing and having fun all day. it is however very lonely at times as some days there is no adult conversation from early morning to evening. i was in the same situation as you not wanting to send my daughter to a childminder. Have a look at www.childcarelink.gov.uk and see how much childminders are charging in your area. it varies from area to area. i am actually in shropshire and around here it is about £3-£3.20 per hour.
If i can help you any more just ask

robpw2

Ok this is where i can help my job involves registering of childminders etc etc.

You need to contact the childrens information service .who will put you in touch with your local cis .
You will then have to attend a meeting in which you will reciev information on childminding.

You will be required to regsiter with OFSTED and the forms you need will be given to you at this breifieng.
The process of registration can take 12 weeks.
You will need to have a criminal records enhanced disclosure . the forms to obtain this will be sent by ofsted after you have sent in your application,
You will also be required to have a home visit. You will need to read the national standards for childminding and these can be obtained form the surestart website
www.sure-start.gov.uk
The national standards will detail all the important information and rules you need to undertake in order to be registerd.
Once registration is completed you will be able to look after a maximum of 6 children those this is on a prorata basis depending on how many children you have under 8.
You will Not be able to look after children (for reward) untill you obtain a certificate of registration ,It is illegal to do so other wise, If you would like futher information i advsie you to contact ofsted on 08456 40 40 40 as they will be able to explain more to you.

superflygal

Thanks to everyone who replied and offered advice!

I'm really excited about this new stage in my life!

Superflygal x