Becoming a Childminder

Childminding has become one of the most important aspects of any working mother’s life in the last two decades. With the numbers of working mothers now increasing dramatically as each year passes, due to the financial pressures of having a family, mothers are finding that they need to turn to others to help care for their children during the working week.

Many mothers – where possible – will have their mothers look after the children if it is plausible and logistically possible but this is not always the case and in these instances a working mother must look at the prospect of utilising the services of a full time childminder.

What is a Childminder?

At one time a childminder might have been a close friend – or family friend – who was reimbursed for their time looking after a friend’s children on a mutually beneficial scale. But as time has passed and legislation has changed it has become necessary now for all childminders to be registered and assessed before they can look after the children of anyone else.

Caring for a child – even if it is only for a few hours at a time – is not simply the ability to look after your own children. Most childminders have children of their own and this in itself can become an issue and should be addressed at the very outset if your children can cope with the upset of having other children spend long periods of time with them. And also – something that many childminders neglect to take into account – the drains on a parent’s time with their own children whilst looking after someone else’s.

Becoming a Childminder

To become a registered childminder you must first meet the guidelines laid down by Ofsted; guidelines that are supported by a home visit – or a visit to the location where you plan to carry out your childminding duties.This location – be it at home or somewhere else – must be safe from the dangers that face young children and must also be stimulating for them also.

Ofsted also require new childminders to carry out a Paediatric first-aid course (first aid for children) as well as introductory courses in childminding and you must also have an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check (formerly CBS check). An enhanced DBS check as you will hear them commonly referred to as – is required by law by anyone who works with children, the elderly or other groups regarded as being vulnerable.

Without a DBS check Ofsted will refuse you the right to operate as a childminder and likewise – you may not commence operating as a childminder without this disclosure being sought and made available to both Ofsted and your local authority – be they the council or local Social Services. In most instances you will be required to fund the cost of a Criminal Records Disclosure yourself.

Once you have received your accreditation from Ofsted – along with the accompanying certificate, which you must display and have available to show any potential clients – you may begin availing of your services as a childminder.

Self Employment

You are required to set your own fees and your own working hours and under government law if you wish to care for more than six children at a time you must reapply to Ofsted as they will normally only cover you for up to six.

As a childminder you can apply for a start-up grant, which will help to cover the costs of starting your business but it is important to remember that you are self employed so in the eyes of the law you are responsible for the paying of your own taxes and National Insurance contributions. Ofsted can provide you with more information on this as too can Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Qualifications & Experience

During your time as a childminder you can also enhance your capabilities by enrolling for the home-based Introduction to Childcare Practice (ICP), which is the first module in a four module Diploma qualification (Diploma in Home-Based Childcare).This qualification, upon completion and award, is the equivalent to an NVQ level 3 qualification and is now the industry standard for childminding.

In addition it is also worth mentioning that as well as these theoretical qualifications a lot of practical experience is necessary and it is wise to bear in mind the stresses and strains of looking after the children of others.

As it is stressful for the child/children’s mother so can it be stressful for a childminder so it is best not to spread yourself too thinly. If you can only manage to maintain the attention and interest of two or three children at a time then it is best to stick to that number of child to look after.

Above all however it is something you must enjoy and also the children must enjoy. If all parties involved are happy childminding can be a mutually rewarding and life enhancing experience