Guest Posted December 30, 2009 Posted December 30, 2009 After some in depth discussion with my family, a nursery has been put on hold in favour of childminding. I'm tired of working for others who don't share the same ideals. But after doing some initial research through the ncma, I have lots of little niggling questions. Silly ones really, but things like sleeping arrangements - does each child have to have a cot? toilet times - if you're on your own, when do you go? Hopefully this will not be a problem as my husband will be working with me. Medical forms. When becoming a manager I had to have a medical with post natal depression being picked up. Currently my husband is on medication for cholesterol and depression. Will this affect my registration? Also pets. I have a cat and some lizards. Most of the lizards can go upstairs, but the iguana can't. Although she is in a locked tank. I have been to a couple of childminders homes with dogs and cats, but never lizards. However it would be better for children with allergies. I understand the ratios and have 10 years childcare experience, in all capacities as well as SENCO training and working with speech and language and specialist teacher service. I am also studying my degree and will hopefully be starting my EYPS at the end of next year. I have undertaken many training courses that will benefit my change in career, but how does this transfer? As I'm aware there are many differences between the home and nursery environment. Thanking everyone in advance for any advice.
Upsy Daisy Posted December 30, 2009 Posted December 30, 2009 Crikey that's a long list. I'll have a stab at a few since I've been childminding for nearly ten years. I have a travel cot in which I use fresh bedding for each child. If I have more than one sleeping at the same time I use mats on the floor with child-sized sleeping bags as well. When I need to go to the toilet I make sure the children are in a safe environment e.g. strapped into a pushchair or in the travel cot and go. I don't consider it appropriate to take them with me as I did my own and yes, they do sometimes get upset. It can't be helped, doesn't take long and when you've go to go, you've got to go. I'm not sure about the medical side as I registered in 2000. I had post natal depression and they didn't have a problem with it when I registered. I think Ofsted would expect to see a risk assessment for the pets you have. Are iguanas dangerous? I've no idea what they do really. I keep all my training certificates in a folder with other important documents which parents may wish to see. As far as training before you start childminding goes you'll probably have to do a few evenings on a basic course which I think is part of a qualification in home-based childcare. More recently registered childminders will tell you more about that I'm sure. I hope that answers some of your questions. Your local childminding support worker should be able to give you lots of answers too. Good luck with it.
Tink69 Posted December 30, 2009 Posted December 30, 2009 Hi I too have recently changed career direction and became a registered childminder in September after working in nurseries for many years. Before you start you have to have an up to date first aid certificate and you will also have to attend a very basic introduction to home based care course which with your experience will be easy. The best thing you can do is contact your local area support worker they will be able to help with all the questions and point you in the right direction. Good Luck x
Guest Posted December 30, 2009 Posted December 30, 2009 KarenM - Go For It!! I've been registered for 12 years and LOVE it (most of the time ) With your background and experience the registration process shouldn't hold any fears. You will have to complete a medical disclosure form but I don't think it will hold you back in any way. Ofsted are quite comfortable with pets as long as you have policies and procedures (and risk assessments) in place - I have 2 dogs, a cat, a rabbit, 2 parrotlets, 3 chickens, 6 fantail doves and goldfish! The Ofsted Inspector said they were a great learning experience! Like Upsy Daisy, I use a travel cot or mats and fresh bedding for each child. This is usually my time for a quick dash to the loo, too! I also keep all my documentation, training certificates, references and cards/letters in a folder to show to prospective parents and Ofsted - keeps it tidy and looks professional and Ofsted like having everything they need easily to hand. If you ring your local Family Information Service they should be able to send out details of the registration and training courses for your area. Good Luck and feel free to ask any other questions. Nona
Guest Posted December 31, 2009 Posted December 31, 2009 Thanks all. Getting my head round a few things now. Will get a travel cot and plenty of bedding. Do they sleep in the same room as the children, or do you put them down in a bedroom with a monitor?
Guest Posted December 31, 2009 Posted December 31, 2009 I put the travel cot in the front room and those awake stay in the back. I chose this way so I don't have upstairs registered but some childminders register upstairs anyway (for toilet access) and then have a specified bedroom for the children to sleep in, with a monitor. Nona
Upsy Daisy Posted December 31, 2009 Posted December 31, 2009 Thanks all. Getting my head round a few things now. Will get a travel cot and plenty of bedding. Do they sleep in the same room as the children, or do you put them down in a bedroom with a monitor? I tend to consult parents about where they would like their child to sleep. They often have quite strong feelings about the child not being disturbed or not waking alone. Sometimes they prefer them to be in a pushchair so they only have a short nap. If they would like the child to sleep upstairs they go in a bedroom with a monitor. The nice thing about being a childminder is that you can be more responsive to the parents wishes in this way and adapt your routines to match those at home.
Guest Posted January 7, 2010 Posted January 7, 2010 Good luck on your journey towards becoming a Registered Childminder. It looks like most of your specific questions have been addressed. With regards to sleeping, I wouldn't bother with a monitor unless your house is huge - you will be checking on sleeping children regularly anyway. With regards to your medical history - it is unlikely that either your post-natal depression or your husbands conditions will affect registration. You complete part of the booklet and your GP fills in the other half afterwards. It is then read by a doctor on behalf of Ofsted. Sometimes they will need to speak to either you or your GP for clarification. Very rarely they might ask someone in for a medical. The real issues are where the childminder and their GP disagree!
Guest Posted January 17, 2010 Posted January 17, 2010 Having spent the last few weeks giving it some srious thought - I am definitely going to go for it. Have a lot of work of prep work, but have made some really good contacts that are either childminders or advisors. My aim is to be up and running by the end of April/May time. Just need to sort out the financial side of everything.
sunnyday Posted January 17, 2010 Posted January 17, 2010 Having spent the last few weeks giving it some srious thought - I am definitely going to go for it. Have a lot of work of prep work, but have made some really good contacts that are either childminders or advisors. My aim is to be up and running by the end of April/May time. Just need to sort out the financial side of everything. Just to wish you all the very best for your new venture - how exciting for you! Not sure which part of Kent you are from - but in my area there are not enough childminders - so hopefully you'll find plenty of customers!
Guest Posted January 17, 2010 Posted January 17, 2010 Having spent the last few weeks giving it some srious thought - I am definitely going to go for it. Have a lot of work of prep work, but have made some really good contacts that are either childminders or advisors. My aim is to be up and running by the end of April/May time. Just need to sort out the financial side of everything. Time might be quite tight. You need to get your property ready, make sure your PFA is up to date, and possibly sign up for the childminding course (different places you do it before or after registration). From the time Ofsted does the registration visit, to the certificate of registration being issued can take 3 months - most of this is waiting for the CRB, and you will need a new one done. But if you are really committed and can put the time in, then go for it and May is achievable. Best of luck though
Guest Posted January 20, 2010 Posted January 20, 2010 Good Luck Karen. I have also decided to become a Childminder. I have completed the fast-track ICP course and have my 12 hours first aid course booked - starts Saturday. I am just about to fill in the Ofsted forms. I had PND in 2003 and my husband is on medication for depression at the moment. I'm not expecting it to be a problem. I think May is a realistic time for my registration to come through. Linda.
dublinbay Posted January 22, 2010 Posted January 22, 2010 Good Luck Karen. I have also decided to become a Childminder. I have completed the fast-track ICP course and have my 12 hours first aid course booked - starts Saturday. I am just about to fill in the Ofsted forms. I had PND in 2003 and my husband is on medication for depression at the moment. I'm not expecting it to be a problem. I think May is a realistic time for my registration to come through.Linda. Just wanted to wish you both good luck on your new ventures. Also to give a warm welcome to the forum to you Linda. Enjoy!
Guest cathy m Posted January 24, 2010 Posted January 24, 2010 good luck to both of you as you embark on new careers I have been registered for almost 20 years and have been involved in delivering ICP for almost 8 years good luck Cathy
Recommended Posts