childminding

handmaiden_2

hi everyone I was wondering if any of you are or have experience of being a childminder,I am a single parent, I really need to earn more money but I still want to be able to take and collect my daughter from school (she is 10 ) I already work from home as a nail technician (i specifically trained for this so i could work from home with flexible hours) but because i choose to work around school hours i dont really make enough each week. if anyone has any advice on childminding I would be very greatfull

Kelly xx

becky004

You would need to be registered if you want prospective parents to consider you. Personally I had a list of 30 odd from social services, and the one I chose was the very last one on the list. Absolutely fantastic, my children and I consider her to be family, my DS has been there from 9 months (she is now 11). I don't hesitate in recommending her to others.
Is a great opportunity to work from home, but you need the qualifications not only on paper, but in your heart also. I couldn't do it as I don't have the patience!

Baybee1984

If you contact your local childcare information service [maybe google if you're not sure..] all the details should be on there

tbain

Get in touch with your local authority. I know that you have to do little course as my childminder has had to do a couple of first aid ones. The one we have is brilliant with our two year old and has helped me so much. Good luck.

gabyjane

Hi i am a childminder and have been doing it for 3 years in September..really love it! It has it's ups and downs like most jobs but i can think of worse things to do and it's pretty well paid too! Anything specific you wanted to know?

Elle00

handmaiden wrote: »

hi everyone I was wondering if any of you are or have experience of being a childminder,I am a single parent, I really need to earn more money but I still want to be able to take and collect my daughter from school (she is 10 ) I already work from home as a nail technician (i specifically trained for this so i could work from home with flexible hours) but because i choose to work around school hours i dont really make enough each week. if anyone has any advice on childminding I would be very greatfull

Kelly xx

As someone who has had real problems with flippant childminders, I can't stress enough that you have to want to do it because you love children - not just because you want to make money.

If it's just money you're after and you're not looking to dedicate your career to young children, what about offering after school care? You don't need a series of qualifications to look after over 8's and mostly just provide a supervisory role rather than that of a carer.

No nappies, no worrying about routines and development etc - just cook some tea and help with homework. If you had two children for 2hrs a day, 5 days a week you could easily bring in an extra £50 - £80 a week.

I hope you don't misunderstand my post as of course I don't know you from Adam. I'm just saying that IF you're more interested in the money than the kids, think about looking after older ones because young ones need a certain kind of person. It'd be so easy for me to be a childminder as a single parent myself but I know I'd be totally inappropriate!

Mips

Elle83 wrote: »

As someone who has had real problems with flippant childminders, I can't stress enough that you have to want to do it because you love children - not just because you want to make money.

If it's just money you're after and you're not looking to dedicate your career to young children, what about offering after school care? You don't need a series of qualifications to look after over 8's and mostly just provide a supervisory role rather than that of a carer.

No nappies, no worrying about routines and development etc - just cook some tea and help with homework. If you had two children for 2hrs a day, 5 days a week you could easily bring in an extra £50 - £80 a week.

I hope you don't misunderstand my post as of course I don't know you from Adam. I'm just saying that IF you're more interested in the money than the kids, think about looking after older ones because young ones need a certain kind of person. It'd be so easy for me to be a childminder as a single parent myself but I know I'd be totally inappropriate!

I totally agree with this post, and not only that, you can't charge more rates for having babies instead of older children... but then you wouldn't be able to mind 8 year olds all day, like you would with small babies.

icklejulez

CAn anyone give me advice ive often thought about starting aws a childminder as my children are 4 and 2. My eldest is at school part time and starts full time in september. My little boy starts part time(3 school days per week) from Jan. How many extra children would i be able to take on. I am currently getting divorced and do not have the extra income to do a few odd jobs that would need doing on my home in order to make it safe for children ie finishing off some electric sockets, replacing some damaged fence panals and buying stair gates etc. Is there a grant available for starting up as a childminder? Sorry for all the questions but this would be really handy for me at the moment as ive just given up my job as a croupier due to the nights being impossible on my own and i am worried about how i am going to eb able to carry on ove the next few months. I have sold my engagement and wedding rings this month just to get by.

Clippyjo

Hi,

I recently started babysitting for an agency and would reccomend you join one. If you google babysitters a number of agencies come up - including the one I am with. You need to give references and demonstrate you have child care experience. Other than that it's reletivly simple.

i would be wary of any where you put your details up for all to see though.

Good Luck.

Clippyjo

** Also with the agency I am with you get paid about £6.05 an hour with a minimum booking of four hours. The parents have to pay for the time they booked you for even if they come home early.**

matty17r

My mum has been childminding for 18 years and is always very busy. However, there is now lots of legislation and I would advise you to look at the Ofsted website for all the details. There are lots more changes coming about in September.

As for ratio of children you can only mind three children under five at any one time. This ratio includes your children. However, as soon as your eldest starts school even if he is not five he is not counted in the under five numbers.

There are grants available in some areas for new childminders. Just type in 'grants for new childminders' and something should come up. Your house does need to be very safe and there are lots of rules!

Fees vary according to area and demand. I am very lucky, always full and have a waiting list. Fees vary from three to four pounds an hour.

Good luck if you decide to go ahead - post again if you need any more questions answered!