How often do you work?
5 days a week
How does the job fit around your family life?
I look after one little girl Sally who is 3 1/2 as a wrap-around childminder. I also look after another little girl Flo as a full-time childminder. Sally arrives between 7-8am. I give her breakfast, sometimes get her dressed(if her mum hasn't had time) and take her up to School. My own two little girls get up at 7ish and I get them dressed and fed too. Flo arrives at 8.15 usually. She's normally had breakfast at home. I pick up my daughter and Sally after school and bring them home. All the girls eat their tea together and I have to try and make time to help Jasmine with her homework before Flo and Sally get picked up.
How much time do you commit?
I Sally 5 days a week and over School holidays. She becomes a full-time child during the holidays. Flo only comes 3 days a week.
Where do you carry out your work?
In my house
How much space do you have?
We have a 4 bedroomed house with a garden.
Do you need a car?
Yes, I think its essential for getting all the girls around. Sally and Jasmine go to different Schools that are a 10 minute drive apart. I wouldn't be able to get them to School on time or pick them up on time if I couldn't drive. If you were taking children all to one School then perhaps it wouldn't be so important.
Do you advertise?
I don't have to. There is a huge demand for wrap-around care in my area and I get about 5 calls a day from stressed parents looking for childcare! In fact I sometimes think I should get a dedicated phone number just for these calls!
How did you hear about the job?
From the Children's Information Service
Do you get support/training?
You go on a Childminder and a first aid training course and there is support available in the form of the National Childminding Association www.ncma.org.uk
Are there any downsides to the role?
The things I find hardest are managing parents at drop-off to make sure we stick to the morning schedule. Both the Mums want to tell me things about the girls when they drop them off..like 'Sally didn't sleep well last night, so might be tired'etc..If I am running behind then I have to ask them to call me after I've taken them to School so we can have a proper chat. Also, now Jasmine is getting more homework it can be hard managing to help her properly and give her attention when I have the other three.
Would you recommend this opportunity to other Mums?
Yes definitely. It is a good way to earn extra money whilst being at home for your own children. If you can sort it out so that you are offfering wrap-around care to several children at the same school then its ideal.