Career change

[SEAS13]

Hi everyone

I'm new to the forum and am currently completing my childminder training. I'm sure this website will be a great resource for me and I look forward to talking to some of you!

I'm after some balanced advice regarding my career change. I'm actually on maternity leave from a very enjoyable and successful career, but it was a very high pressured, demanding job role, and I've fallen a bit out of love with it. I've recently moved to a new area, so returning to work is going to be incredibly difficult for me.

Childminding is something I've considered for a long time. I adore children, I enjoy supporting others to develop and grow (something I've done in my current job role) and running my own business is one of my ambitions. I've thoroughly researched what the day to day life of a childminder is like I'm positive it's something I would enjoy and give my all. Yet, I'm apprehensive about letting go of my current career. I think it's because I've been successful, and I'm afraid of failure. I'm stepping into something new, and I'm a complete novice. I would love to hear some of your stories and how you made that choice as I'm sure many of you must have. Do you still think you made the right decision, or do any of you have regrets?

Thanks very much, I really hope I can get some support and encouragement so I'm brave enough to go for it!

[Karen1]

Hi

Welcome to the mad world of childminding. I started to be here for my children and around to do school runs and their school plays etc. But OMG it takes over your life and your house, your car and every waking moment of your life. LOL. But I wouldn't change it.

I started out over a year ago at 6 hours a week two mindees and now I am working 50 hours a week with four mindees. I must admit it is a bit too much at times, and luckily one child has given me notice and will finish on 31st October and I cant wait to calm down slightly, recharge my batteries and look for a new mindee-part time only this time. but that is the love of this job-you can choose what hours to work and who to work with.

I do manage to get to my childrens stuff-although I have mindees in tow, they love it. I still have two mindees I have had from day 1. Both of their hours have gone up and down from changes to parents hours and maternity and waiting to take on one of their siblings in May.

It is hard work, lots of paperwork, you never seem to switch off-accounts, paperwork, invoices, ofsted rules-always changing, planning activities, learning journals etc. Always having baby stuff around-high chairs, toys, baby seats etc- this is a major annoyance to my husband!

I have had a few wobbles along the way on whether to give up, but i think i will carry on- i do enjoy this job and love the children. Although the parents can be a pain sometimes.

There is also the grind of nappy changes, feeding and sleep times but also the smiles the development and delight at arriving at yours.

Its up and down, but I enjoy it.

One tip is to find childminding friends- meet up, go to groups and get out so your not isolated and also good for the kids to socialise.

Good luck with everything. Im sure you will love it-if you love kids.

[natlou82]

Hiya :-) I have been childminding for 6 months now and I'm full, like the previous poster I regularly work about 50hrs plus the paperwork on top. I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I've ever made, obviously you have ups and downs like any job but I find it incredibly rewarding. I love being my own boss and working with children beats working with miserable adults any day lol :-) good luck and welcome to the forum x

[SEAS13]

Ah thank you both. Confirms some of my current thoughts. A few non-childminding friends have said to me am I mad and I would have to work longer hours, and deal with tantrums, but I kind of see it as:

1) I might only work 37 hours in the office, but I'd be commuting 10 hours a week! Plus I have no traffic delays/getting to work on time stress. And no pressure to work overtime or meet deadlines.

2) get to work at 9 and greeted by grunts of good morning. Work with children - welcomed with a genuine big smile. Completely understand your point about miserable adults. Also fed up with corporate bullsh*t!

3) I can earn the same and be there for my daughter, rather than have to pay for childcare.

4) I may have kiddie clutter, but as a parent I will anyway, and at least I will have well organised toys/activities my children will benefit from (I plan to get a play house in the garden anyway so a lot of stuff can be stored away.)

5) what's better - sitting in front of a PC all day or taking the kids to the park?

6) perhaps it will make me a better parent. Learning about the EYFS and having structure is already making me look at things in a different light.

Hopefully the way I'm seeing things is the reality! I just don't want to have any regrets. Do any of you "miss" your old jobs? What did you do before?

Thanks for your advice.

[loocyloo]

Hello and welcome xx
I had been a nanny and have now been childminding over 10 years. I love it and the joy of making my own decisions and watching everyone grow and develop (plus being there for my own children)
My big tip would be to make time for yourself as it is very easy to get overwhelmed with childminding ( easy for me to say ... But it's only the last few years that I've eased off a bit! ..However my mind is always thinking of or seeing new things to do! )
Good luck x

[Kiddleywinks]

Hi and welcome to the forum :waving:

Nobody will play down the fear we've experienced by going it alone, it is daunting heading into the unknown, so be assured you are not on your own there lol

Financially, I came into minding a little differently, and it's 2nd time around for me lol.
I went from a very well paid job to unemployment due to the recession, so had already made massive cutbacks to our standard of living (which actually hadn't been a
Iife of luxury as ironically I had huge childcare costs and was entitled to help)
Just before I lost my job, my CM had given notice as she was relocating, so the timing was brilliant in that respect, but, she had been the only minder in my area prepared to work unsocial hours.
As a result, I decided to come back into minding myself, having resigned a few years earlier when I'd relocated myself due to my divorce.

For us, we had nothing to lose, so it was a no brainer on paper - and boy did I work out the best and worse scenario and everything in between lol
I actually only needed 1 part timer to make a big difference to our income, I was also able to get a 'back to work' bonus worth £40 a week for a year, which honestly, made the difference to us eating or not :-/
The scary part was that it took me 6 months to get my first child, a schoolie for after school and holidays 3 days a week.
That first income, was like winning the lottery in my house lol.
I then signed my next 2, again part timers, within a month, and 3 months later, another 3 part timers.

I'm always conscious that any, or all, could leave me tomorrow so ensure I have 4 weeks deposit, and don't overspend now that we have a decent income.
I still shop with a list for food and household stuff - had to be done when we had nothing and it's become 2nd nature now. If it's not on the list, if ain't going in the trolley :-)
I check deals for utilities etc to make sure household bills are kept in check. No point paying more than I need to lol
Income wise, I'm bringing in far far less than I was when I was employed, yet we are far better off financially than we were.
We were able to go on our first abroad holiday last year, all inclusive for 2 weeks, we'd only had camping/caravan week long holidays, or none at all, when I'd been employed.
We also bought a new car (6 years old) rather than the 15+ year old wrecks we'd been used to, and I was able to treat my own children to things I'd struggled to provide before. Simple things like a takeaway, trip to the cinema or bowling alley, or an outfit/game that was on offer/reduced/just caught my eye.... Things we'd had to do without for a long time.

Things I've found have helped is having a clear idea about what I will bend on and what I won't with parents, deposits for example I don't bend on lol, don't care who you are or how trustworthy you claim to be, you're still an unknown entity to me.
I know my own policies inside out and backwards. They explain how I want to run MY business. I did look at examples from other settings/providers, but I also sat down and hand wrote exactly how I wanted things to be for me, before typing them up.
I regularly check my advertising is working - even if you're busy, keep you name high up, you don't know when you'll need to fill spaces.
No point paying out for a yellow pages renewal if it's not generated any actual interest. Ask enquirers where they got your number from, if it's a shop or retail outlet that allowed you to place a card or flyer up, regardless of whether you got the job or not, pop in, check it's still there, and drop off a box of chocs or a cheap bottle/unwanted gift, to say thanks.

I now have 9 part timers, and have had 9 consistently for 2 years
I lost 1 due to redundancy, but filled that space within 3 weeks, due to a recommendation of an existing parent.
I lost another 2 due to them going to big school this summer, and was fortunate to fill those spaces within 4 weeks thanks to childcare.co.uk.

Heart goes every time our area starts suffering job losses, or parent mentions redundancies at work, but, so far, touch wood, we're doing good.

With regards to the job itself - I love it! Should have carried it on years ago (long story)
The children I have now are like sponges, so definitely keep me on my toes lol, but nothing beats the look of pride when they finally manage to achieve whatever goal they've been trying to reach, from the 1 year old taking their first steps to the 6 year old tying their own shoelaces (mum was impressed lol) to the 9 year old completing the complicated Lego model after several weeks and much encouragement (short attention span)
I have a lovely mix of children that work well when they're together for the most part - the older ones have their moments lol, and I have great parents that understand this is my business not a crèche or drop in group. They support me with their childrens behaviour and learning, and feedback is given freely and often.
Don't get me wrong, I've had issues along the way, and I've had to make my position clear at times, but, it's a learning curve that's for sure.

The paperwork I think I've finally got it to work for me at last, thanks to comments and recommendations made from my graded inspection (I got a good)

Not so keen on the politics side, either what I've seen or heard from within the profession, or at government level, but it gives with the territory I suppose. Doesn't mean I like it, never did do 'office politics' either lol, but I will stand up for what I believe is right, and so I observe a lot, ignore more, and do what I can when I need to.

The forum is brilliant for questions, guidance, information, and clarification, there's always someone around that's been in your shoes so loads of experience. Some things will make sense and work for you, other things won't, but it's up to you what you take on board.

Good luck on your journey x

[mum67]

Don't miss my old job one bit, I was always shattered, skint and miserable (mouth was starting to look droopy I was that sad but hadn't noticed till I left)
Now I'm energetic, enthusiastic, happy (smiling again and love it), still a bit skint but no worse off really than in employment - self employment, as only a couple of children at the minute but they are coming in one by one and the different personalities are starting to shine through, no two days are the same which I love.
Getting outdoors more and not stuck in to a time schedule.
Go for it you will enjoy it once you stop stressing about the paper work and Ofsted you realise it's a fantastic job and you get to make lots of friends little ones and big ones in the process.
The forum is amazing it gets you through so much and when you start to feel fed up with it all (it does happen to all of us especially when starting out) you can rely on this lot to lift you back up and get you motivated again.
Good Luck and welcome to the forum.:thumbsup:

[Karen1]

Hi

I was in an office, decided to train as teaching ass, did that till my kids then took part time work in a nursery and hated it and how children were looked after and thought, i could do it better. And hopefully i am.

It is hard work. And yes the admin side is pain, but no commute, only school runs.

It is fun and you are around for your kids. I said i would do this until my youngest started primary, and this month he has. I have half geartedly loiked at jobs, but put off appkying as enjoy childminding too much. And all the hours are so infkexible for working mums who want to be thete for their kuds.

You will love it, go for it.

[Bumble Beez]

Firstly...hello polkadot and welcome to the forum :waving:

Well...I went into childminding after the birth of my second son in 2005 and absolutely loved it.
I got to the point where I was so busy I had assistants working with me and business was properly booming!!

Don't get me wring there were bad days as well as good...but from my perspective the good outweighed the bad easily.

In the latter part of last year, my youngest son began attending full time school and I felt that I was not needed to be at home working as much anymore, was offered a job at a local preschool and accepted, started January 2014...

In April I left the preschool and returned to childminding (with a lot of ups and down for numerous reasons that aren't relevant here :laughing:) and have not looked back.

I am destined to be a childminder for the rest of my working life...I absolutely love my job, and wouldn't change it for the world...
I am so proud to be an independent childminder and everyone who knows me understands that I am far happier in this job role that the term I worked at the preschool :D

I did a pros and cons list when I went back into childminding and my pros list was clearly bigger!!

Good luck in your new venture if you decide to take the leap...and we are all here to support and give advice if you need us to xx

Sarah x

[tulip0803]

Hello and welcome:D

I first registered after being made redundant from a job I did at night and at home (answering calls for a garage and sending breakdown trucks out). I had 2 children one at school and one pre-school and a DH that worked shifts. My friend who was a childminder was finishing, as she felt that as her children were older she wanted something more, so she recommended that I register. So after spending 9 months on JSA we had nothing to loose. In those days it was Social services that registered childminders and I was registered in 3 months (OFSTED appeared within the 1st year I was registered). I was lucky to have full-time siblings (2&6) waiting for me to get the certificate it arrived the fri and I started Mon. I then got siblings (2&7) 4 days a week. so all was good Until Mum 1 got made redundant and Mum 2 decided that she didn't want to work:rolleyes: in the same month:(. I worked in a pub in the evenings as DH then had a job that finished in London around 6, if he wasn't back the pub let my kiddies sit in a corner with crisps and coke and the regulars help DS with maths by getting him to score the darts. this meant I was available to take any children that came along during the day - didn't take long to get going again:clapping:. Then we had DD3 and decided to move to Wales.

Wales has a different registering body so I couldn't just move and work - I had to re-register again! And my new council had silly planning rules that meant I would only be allowed to mind one child:eek: so things didn't go to plan and I ended up in Morrisons and then as a playworker until the changed the planning rules it then took me 11 months to register:clapping:. I had a slow start due to the recession but I have more work than I have to have IYSWIM. At the I have 9 part-timers across the week from 7m - 9 years and a few other ad-hocs. I had 2 enquiries a couple of weeks ago for babies that are just being thought about! My youngest child is now 10 and I still love childminding.

Childminding is what makes me happy I enjoy spending time with the children and helping them to learn I don't want to do anything else:thumbsup: - I also have more money than when I worked

[NinkyNonk]

I'm newly registered and used to work for myself as a mobile beautician...got bored after 3 years. I've always fancied a career in childcare but not sure where/how (never had any direction in life me!)

Anyway I decided to go down this route and do my Level 3 at the same time (stupid me all at once!). BUT I have fallen on my feet as I have 3 children 4 days a week, term time only. This gives me enough money to get by, study and be around for my kids. It's perfect. I'll possibly take on another mindee down the line but at present I'm happy with the 2.

I was worried to about actually getting kids, but it took me forever to get registered (long Ofsted story) but once word got around I had plenty of enquiries and had lined these 2 mindees up before getting my certificate.

[SEAS13]

Thank you so much for sharing your stories and for your support and encouragement. It sounds as though everyone's businesses are booming too! Pre School Learning Alliance have advised me to do some "market research" in my area, but the course I'm on, including the first aid, is fully funded by my local council because of there being a shortage of childcare in my area. Fingers crossed this means I won't have any problem finding mindees.
My I ask you all how long it took you to get your DBS, ofsted inspection and registration through and to actually start your business? I'm due back to work after maternity leave very soon and am hoping to not have to go back at all and have my bus up and running before then.

Thanks again everyone

[Karen1]

Hi. Your welcome, i filled in all the ofsted forms and got the health declaration form sent to ofsted half way throgh my course, to get the ball rolling. The dbs took forever, that was the longest wait.

My course finished in april, i was registered by end of july. Took the summer to advertise and kids by september. So all in, took about six months, but i really pushed it and got paperwork in whilst still on course which helped speed things up.

It is so frustrating though.

When does your maternity end and have you sent in your docs to ofsted?

[SEAS13]

Maternity leave ends mid December. I haven't done my Ofsted forms yet as someone advised me that I can't do that until I've completed my paediatric first aid (booked for Nov) and my DBS is through. Is that true?

Thanks

[natlou82]

They have changed how it all works since I was registered in March but I finished my course Dec, sent off forms in Jan and completed my DBS apps online I was registered by 10th March. I was lucky it has took other people much longer. Good luck :-)