Teaching to childminding...
Hi - I am new to the forum!:) I originally read the post about giving up teaching for childminding - and just had to comment!
I am a teacher and have decided to change to childminding because of all the things that you mentioned - paper-work, long hours, travelling, not seeing your family, working at home etc etc!
I work 4 days a week at present and have an 8 year old daughter - who I feel never really spend quality time with - as even when I am at home at weekends I still have work from school to do!
I completed my Pre-registration course in January (I took 3 days off unpaid from my job and made up some far-fetched excuse!!). I applied fairly promptly to Ofsted....but it's been a LONG process! I had my Ofsted pre-reg visit on Weds (30th April) - and all went well (apart from being questioned about stress/depression that I suffered 10 years ago that my doctor obviously felt they needed to know about!)...and am now waiting to get my certificate (even though I am a little worried re the questions regarding my stress/depression - which, incidentally was work-related!!!)
I am VERY nervous about giving my notice in at school - even though I know that it is best for me and I really want to become a childminder. I know I need to give notice by 31st May.
I am very worried about my income and like you - need to earn around £1300 per month!! I have 3 'before and after school' kids lined up (I already look after them free of charge on my days off to keep them interested!) - this will give me an income of about £440 per month plus I will be saving about £260 in child-care and petrol costs. I am also planning on doing a day's supply-teaching (Mondays) to supplement my income until my business is up and running. I am also planning on looking after my baby grandson for 3 days (& charging for 2 days!) which will give me an income of £320 per month. I have spoken to my daughter's school - who assure me that there really is a shortage of childminders in the area - but I am still nervous - whose going to pay me in the holidays??!!
Despite all this - I know it's what I want to do and am sure that me and my family will be ok. Teaching is one of the most stressful jobs in the world.....I am certain that childminding will be easier and probably more rewarding. Good luck to you teachers - turned- childminders! (We are doing the right thing!!) :laughing: