childminding new business venture!

Queenieviolet

Couldn't decide where was the best place to post, anyway here goes. I am thinking of quitting my teaching job and becoming a childminder. Whilst I don't expect to earn anywhere near as much money, I do need to earn something each month. Does anyone have any advice? Should I expect long periods of time with no income or is it usually relatively busy? I live in a small village and having researched my area can only find 1 other childminder picking up from the same school. Any advice appreciated on any aspects = thanks:D

bringmeshoes

my sister decided to quit her job afterhaving my niece (16 months) and go into childminding and altho she enjoys it she has been messed about so much she has had to go back to work during the day and now only looks after children after school.
i would say speak to the other childminder & see how many children she has and how many calls she gets to look after children (it is always good ti make friends with other childminders as if they are ful they can always recommend you to parents, recommendations are one of the best ways to find work)
as you are a teacher, beofre you give up your job it may be worth advertising for work just before the holidays that way you can see if you get enough children before you actually quit so you are not losing out on your job if it doesnt work.
my sister also pays to get her contracts printed, that way they are more professional and you have plenty spare if you need them!

bigburd

I gave up my job last year when I registered as a childminder. I usually get phoned at least once a fortnight by parents looking for a place.

I enjoy being self employed but I've been let down already by parents. I'd advise you to add into your fees policy the statement "please note that no notice will be given of termination of contract due to late or non-payment". Sounds harsh I know but when they've signed a legally binding contract to pay then dont it's them who've breached contract. I did have one parent who was skint after Christmas and we came to an arrangement to pay later when she'd been paid again. Another parent knew payment was due and ignored me then turned up with it 12 days late the day I was due to have her child back and said "oh I had your money but I just kept spending it!!" She's also brought her child with conjuctivitis but cleaned him up, not told us, and our 15m old caught it as a result. I've also had her counting on fingers and rolling eyes questioning why when I'm on holiday she pays a half fee! and why she's paying for more than a morning only when she's here for her child at 3pm! This has been for me the only drawback.

I love going out with the children and making things with them. We make sure that we 'do' something every day. I also do daily diarys for each child, parents can give feedback on sat/sun space!
I registered my partner as my assistant and as his work schedule allowed him to do we cared for children before I gave up work. This was great as there was no money gap when I finished!!

Good Luck if you go ahead.

littlemissteapot_2

do you have a local sure start in your area? there should be a childminders network as this is one of the core objectives. I used to work for sure start & we advised people wanting to get into the field, put them in touch with other CM's & start them off on the right foot. I think it depends on community demand some people like to leave there children with CM's because of the ratios some people like to leave there kids at nurseries for the social aspects.

Good Luck in whatever you decide to do

mamamia

As others have said, please do not quit your job until you are actually registered as a childminder and know when the first child will start. Get in touch with your local Children's Information Service and they will advise you. Demand is very low in some areas that you will be lucky to have any enquiry whereas, in some areas, you will have a waiting list even before you are registered. Speak to the CMs in your area to have an idea if it is worth being one.

Best wishes

Queenieviolet

Thanks for all the great advice. Think I will ring surestart and I am planning to take my daughter to the local toddler group to network and sound out possibilities. I think I will 'mull it over' for a bit longer as it not only means quitting my job but changing schools for my kids also (a long story!). Thanks again.

jo1967

My sister is a childminder & is getting out because of all the new rules & regs coming in.

She just wants to care for children not constantly fill in paperwork, she has passed comments about having to complete forms stating exactly what has been done during the day - I am not exactly sure what is required so make sure you thoroughly check all the rules, regs & requirements.

Savvy_Sue

It's not only filling in paperwork about what you've done, but also what the child has eaten. And then it all has to be kept for 20 years! Securely!

poppyolivia

I have been doing a course on childminding (5 and a half hours to go woohooo!!!LOL)...I am planning starting it next year as alot of things have to be done to the house etc.
I'm hoping it will be rewarding. Be prepared for ALOT of paperwork thats all I can say but I have been assured that you get used to it!!
In fact I'm off to do some policies right now so it looks like I have done something in the Easter hols!!haha!!

Good luck xx