1- What if I give up being a childminder for now? I am registered and already got insurance but haven't started yet...If I change my mind do I need to cancel my registration and what do I do if I decide to be a childminder again??

2- What if a get a part time job (say in a school) and offer childcare as a childminder only on after school or half term...would that be possible??

** The third question is regarding housing benefit ** we currently are renting a 2 bedroom flat, but my aim is to rent a 3 bedroom flat to make a playroom for my business, does anyone know how is my housing benefit likely to change as we are acessed as a couple with only 1 child and therefore entitled to help for a 2 bedroom...?

I am very confused right now, and my child starts reception in September so I need to make up my mind asap.

Thanks

Keep up your registration - that way if you want to start minding children you won't have to start all over again!

The great thing about being self-employed is that you can work as little or as much as you want to - hopefully the children will come along for the hours you want to fill

With regards housing benefit, my belief is that if you rented a 3 bed flat, they will still pay you for a 2 bed, so you have to come up with the difference. At least this is what a friend has done, she pays the extra each month.

The best of luck to you whatever you decide! :thumbsup:

Hi

The answer to the first one is... you can stay registered but don't need to have any children, I can't remember off hand whether the cut off point is 2 or 3 yrs but someone will know.

Question two, yes you can work part time and do childminding around your job, you choose what hours you want to cm.

Question three, sorry don't know about that one :(

You have a lot of thinking to do.... good luck with whatever you decide :)

Karen

You can keep your registration for 3 years without childminding, after that Ofsted will cancel it.

You are self-employed so you can choose what times/days you work so yes you can fit it around another job.

I don't know the answer to your third question, sorry.

Good luck

Miffy xx

As above for questions 1 and 2

Re housing benefit, as funemnx says, they pay you for 2 bed and you make up the difference out of your own pocket. That's what they do for me.

Good luck with your decision x

Thank you so much for your helpful replies!
One more question:
So I need to update ofsted with my numbers as soon as I start working and if I do not update them at all they will assume I am not working? Will they come and inspect even if I have no children? I know seems like a silly question but ...:blush:

Good to know about the HB, we dont get the full rent paid so looks like we will just need to pay a bit more for the extra bedroom which is fair enough. With my husband thinking about changing jobs I better make up my mind soon.

Ofsted will usually call you to ask if you have any children on your books etc. Before they inspect you. They won't inspect if you have no children x