Any childminders on here?

[tigwig]

I am a qualified nursery nurse and work 2 days at the moment. I need to work more and don't have affordable childcare available so I am seriously thinking about becoming a childminder myself. My house is ideal (has a safe secure garden, playroom big kitchen and downstairs toilet) and I only have 1 child. If anyone can tell me their experiences of childminding positive or negative that would be great!!

[instigator]

no but i hear garry glitter is looking for a position
and he can start straight away!

[Postdog]

You need to contact Ofsted. (a) you have to registered and (b) as a prelude to registration, only they can tell you if your house is safe.

[Lil O'lady]

Your local education department will have information to help you get started and should be able to put you in touch with othe local people - try 'children and young people's services' , 'surestart', or 'lifelong learning' as it isn't trendy to call them education departments any more.

[ojread2]

And OFSTED will advise you to contact your local council's Children's Information Services so you can arrange to attend a course which is compulsory to you becoming registered. Only after you have completed this course will you have a home visit from OFSTED to assure your house is safe and suitable.

You will also need a peadiatric first aid skill arranged by CIS as part of your course - this will be free of charge although subsequent first aid course will be paid for by you. Your OFSTED registration and NCMA membership including your insurance will be covered by CIS for the first year after which you will have to pay for this yourself also.

During your course you will also learn about the vast amount of paperwork you will need to keep up to date with (OFSTED will look through this in subsequent visits) plus you will be a contact at the local Tax office as tax rules are slightly different for minders

Hope that hasn't out you off :)

[ojread2]

PS: You will know all about the CRB check but you will need a separate one for minding but again, this will be free with your course

[Nik315]

I'm a childminder and I think it's a great job. I get to be at home and see my own children growing up, if it's a nice day then you're not stuck indoors and you get to spend all day playing children's games. On the downside there is quite alot of paperwork which is all set to increase next month with the implementation of the EYFS although if you are a nursery nurse you should be familiar with alot of it.

[tigwig]

the paperwork due to the EYFS is horrendous at work at the moment, we have to do daily observations on the babies and all these focus activities which I think for babies is ridiculous. I had heard that childminders had to do this too but am unsure of how much work exactly.

[Nik315]

As from the beginning of September the whole system is changing and childminders as well as nurseries will be required to follow the EYFS. It's alot more work for the same money but definitely still worth it (for me anyway)