Just beginning...

[Julianna]

Hi
I am looking to become a part-time childminder. I have decided to specialise in offering childminding / babysitting during evenings and weekends, for people who work shifts and/or would like to go out at night. It will be based in my own large house and I have a very large room that I can dedicate to this - to be used a playroom, maybe a couple of day beds etc.
I have a full-time job working with disabled people and also have 4 kids of my own (6, 8, 12, 15) and would be offering places possibly on alternate week night/weekends, including sleepovers if required. Depending on how my registration goes, I may be able to have 2-4 children at one time.

Does anyone see any major hurdles in this plan? I am seeing it as a professional babysitting service as opposed to educational preschool type of care.

I have worked with children in the past, have first aid, police checks etc and am beginning my child minding and child protection courses soon.

Any advice feedback is very welcome.

[tulip0803]

Hello and welcome

I think it will come down to demand in your area (like all childminding businesses). I don't offer overnight care but I do offer early starts/late finishes and weekends (now just the Saturday as I need a day off). I have only had a few enquiries for this despite being one of only 2 childminders in the area to offer this but I am in a rural area. A more built up area would have more demand.

You would need to make yourself available for inspection (possibly taking a day off your day job for the inspection) - inspectors may not be willing/able to come when you have children if you are only working weekends & evenings so you may need to be inspected without children, in England this will mean that you cannot get a grading.

I am not sure how you would stand with EYFS for under 5s in England if you are offering this type of service. When you have your pre-reg inspection you should ask the inspector these questions.