Are there any ex-teachers who child who wouldn't mind giving me some advice?

[dorsetmish]

Hi - just toying with the idea of childminding as teaching is proving incompatible with my view of a work life balance and also my sanity! I would like to get registered so that I could receive government funding but what I've read suggests that having QTS doesn't qualify as a Level 3 early years qualification. Is that true? Would you say that converting to a childminder is the best or worst decision you've ever made? I'm assuming that the level of paperwork is a lot less than with teaching - have you found that to be the case? And is it hard or easy to get customers? I'm not sure what to do especially now that my youngest is 12 - maybe I've left it a bit late. Any advice would be really appreciated!

[moggy]

Do you mean offering Free Entitlement funding to 3-4 year olds?
Have you checked what the funding your LA give in relation to the going rate for childminders in your area?
I just mention this because many childminders actively do not offer the Free Entitlement because the lose ££ for every hour the child does. This is the situation I am in.
Anyway, concerning your qualification in relation to offering funding- that is a specific question for your own Local Authority, each LA operates differently so best just phone and ask.

The level of paperwork is considerably less than for teaching- you have a handful of EYFS children to document (and that does not even have to be documented in writing, except for 2-yr check) compare to a class of 30. 'Planning' (as a written, teacher-style lesson/activity plans) is not a requirement and it sounds like it is being looked for less and less in inspections, you may find you are tempted to do more than you actually need to if you are from a teaching background!

Some find it hard to find customers, some have a waiting list as long as your arm. It all depends on local demand and what you can offer, as well as your availability, flexibility and fees. As a teacher you could have a good USP there and that may work in your favour.

As for whether it will suit you, I'd suggest asking yourself- are you happy being at home a lot, will you like socialising with mums and other CMers at Toddler Groups (they will be your social network), are you happy to have baby things in your house long term and scuffs on the skirting boards and soup splattered up the wallpaper? do you have a partner who is going to resent that stair gate or toy storage unit or the stack of highchairs in the corner of the room every day? Days can go by where your only social contacts are 2 years old- unless you make the effort to get out and meet people and say hello to strangers at soft play etc- are you comfortable with that? Income can be variable- it only take a pair of siblings to give notice and your income can be drastically cut with just 4 weeks notice- do you have a safety net (savings, partner's income?). Can you put a business head on- can you talk money and expectations, negotiate a contract and inform a parent that they have broken the contract or owe money? These are all things I have seen CMers struggle with over the years. I love this job and it was the best choice for me. Good luck with it!