Childminding as a Career

My reason for starting childminding was because I had a career in childcare and a dream of running my own nursery whilst having my own children and doing it ‘my’ way.
I did not want the ‘institution’ approach but the homely mother/grandmother feeling.

When I started out, there were not many guidelines, it was just looking after other peoples children, you did your own thing. But because of my experience and qualifications, parents trusted that I would give professional care. So I called the social services dept.of my local borough council, went to an introductory meeting and a short introductory course, had a home visit, was approved, and set to.

Things have changed dramatically since then, back in 1987! Now there is a foundation course to start with, a home visit to make sure all safety regulations are up to standard, that space is adequate, windows have safety locks, safety glass is put on glass and patio doors, electrics and heating are in good order with a certificate to prove it and a fire inspection from the fire officer is required.

All plug sockets must have childproof covers, kitchen cupboard doors & drawers must have child locks, medicines and cleaning fluids must be locked away. The place is to be clean and well kept. You should have adequate and safe outdoor play areas and equipment.
All people of sixteen and over in the house have to have a Police Check.

You must keep all paper work in order i.e. contracts, children’s details, medical book, accident forms, daily diary and a register. Policies on: behaviour management, health and safety, child protection, policy on sick children, equal opportunities, accident procedure, fire evacuation procedure, complaints procedure, confidentiality report etc. according to the standards of the local Inspectorate. Insurance details and a personal statement will also be required.

Then, when all this is approved, you are ready to start looking after children, you can advertise in shops, the local paper, doctor’s surgery, clinics and community centres,  but remember to keep your identity safe. You will be on the Social Services list and you can be put on the Childminder Database.

You will be expected to give a very high standard of care and take courses to keep up that high standard, be visited yearly by an inspector (not as much as an ordeal as you may think because they put the children first and make it a pleasant visit). You can also expect an unannounced visit at any time.

If I were setting up now, to make it a business venture, I would prefer to have a set room i.e. garage conversion, spare room, extension, a downstairs toilet and if planning full time, 40hrs a week, employ a cleaner!

Always put the children first- you are running a business and putting so much into it mentally and physically. Please never loose sight of the fact that the children are individuals and you are a caring loving person.