What training is required to become a childminder?

[anyjoy]

Hi,

I am just putting my feelers out to find out what is involved in becoming a childminder. I am a Early Years trained and qualified teacher but am considering becoming a childminder as my partner and I may sadly have to leave the loveliness of ED and relocate to Essex!!! As I am not sure how I can organise a new teaching post, nursery for our little man and moving all at once, I am wondering whether I could work from our new home (wherever that may be) as a childminder.

For all those lovely childminders out there...how did you train etc and where is a good source of course information. I am hoping to do any training whilst still off on maternity leave in order that I would be ready for an ofsted once we have relocated...phew.

Thanks in advance wonderful people of ED

[minder]

Hi anyjoy - if you already have a toddler and expecting another baby I can understand your decision!

I left my 14 year office/secretarial career when my son was born in 1992. Three children later and I've now been childminding for 11 years. It's something I know I'm good at and enjoy! Fair bit of paperwork and physically hard work.

I have no formal qualifications after leaving school at nearly 16 other than my 3 O Levels and 4 CSEs but I received an 'outstanding' from Ofsted at my last inspection in September.

If you're going to Essex soon, I would contact their CIS (Childcare Info Service) but if not Southwark CIS.

You have to complete an ICP course over a few weeks, first aid, CRB checks, and Safeguarding courses. This can take some months though including the registration process with Ofsted (up to 6 months). Once you're registered Southwark are very good at providing free courses (I've done lots) but with cutbacks looming it might change.

[Helen GV]

Call southwark as soon as you can to find out what is involved, it can take a few months so it depends when you would be moving, but probably is a good idea to take advantage of living in southwark and all the free training provided as it isnt the same everywhere. After you move you will just need to call ofsted to let them know, they'll send you a form to fill in and may or may not come to inspect the new property.

[anyjoy]

Thanks for the advice, I will call Southwark as soon as the little monster gives me a few screaming free moments :)