How to become a Childminder. Have you ever thought about becoming a childminder?
Job Description of a Childminder
Childminders are persons who are responsible for caring for young children and helping them learn basic skills. You must have a love of children and be willing to change soiled nappies and clothing. You have to entertain the children, ensure they are well fed and kept clean and safe, until the parents of the children collect them at the end of the day. You must be incredibly reliable as many parents will be depending on your availability. Childminders are generally expected to be reasonable, fair, Level -headed and Inspiring. The hours are usually, 7am-5pm. Being a Childminder is a good job for many people, but the key traits to have are a sociable personality, helpful, intuitive, a good sense of humour and calm under pressure. You must be able to listen, speak clearly and be capable of dealing with children from birth.
Entry Requirements
To become a Childminder you have to firstly complete an ICP Course and pass the exam, an early years first aid course, then register with OFSTED, for a fee, and have a Criminal Records check. Any previous experience of childcare or teaching you can offer will go in your favour when looking for clients. You will need to have premises suitable for the purpose of childcare, and you will also require public liability insurance for any premises you use in the course of business.
Responsibilities and duties
In childminding you will usually be responsible for an amount of children according to age, and you will be expected to ensure that all of them are cared for correctly and entertained/educated through the day. There are rules about the amount of children which you are allowed to have at any one time. The rules state you can only have one child aged 0-1, three children aged between 1 and 5, and three children aged between 5-8. You must count your own children in the number. Children aged over 8 are not counted in the allowance but they must not interfere with your care of the other children. If there are other persons over the age of ten years old they will also have to be subject to checks.
Working hours
Childminders usually work 7 am to 5pm weekdays. Not many Child-minders are expected to work weekends and evenings. Child-minders may have to work at very short notice and their hours can be sporadic and differing.
Skills and Training Development
Childminders can expect to progress through their careers with improving skills and knowledge as well as time served. You may find if you gain additional skills such as communications, counselling or foreign languages that you might get more clients. Holding afterschool clubs or sporting activities may improve your client base. You may also wish to progress your career into secondary education or the childcare sector. You may also wish to open up a day nursery in order to expand your potential and earn additional clients.
Average Salary
The average salary for a qualified Childminder is £26,000 PA.
photo by: martinjack
