Lone Parents

We have created a special area for Lone Parents on Mum and Working - inspired by the huge response we have had about work that is suitable for one parent familes.

Trainee Childminder - Heidi Peterson

Heidi worked for years as a Car Workshop Receptionist. When a family member became ill she realised that she'd missed out on spending time with her children. After a radical re-think Heidi is now training as a Childminder so she can have financial independence from her partner and also be at home for her own daughters. Although Heidi isn't currently a single parent she does know all the challenges lone parents face as she spent time looking after her daughter on her own.

The Interview

Name - Heidi Peterson

Location - Orpington, Kent

Family - Keira (7) and Libby (11 months).

Job title: Trainee Childminder

What is your background?

I used to work as a Receptionist in a Car Workshop. I split up from my partner when Keira was 4 months old, and met my ex-husband when she was 9 months old. Although I am not currently a lone parent and have a new partner I do understand the challenges of being a single parent and am struggling with lots of the same issues lone parents face.

After Keira was born were you working?

Yes, I returned to work as a receptionist and worked for my partners company. Unfortunately my Nan became very ill and I took lots of time off to look after her. She brought me up and I wanted to make sure she was in a nice nursing home for her last months. I realised then that it didn't make financial sense for me to return to work and also that I was missing out on seeing Keira grow up.

What childcare had you been using when working?

Keira had been full-time with a childminder. I would drop her off at 7.30am, pick her up and put her to bed. I missed out on all of her early learning - the childminder potty trained her, taught her to speak etc..It made me feel really guilty when I realised and I decided that I wanted to be with her more.

What challenges do you face being an at-home-Mum?

The main issue I am facing and what has led to me wanting to become a childminder is money. My partner controls all of our cash - not in a nasty way, but its just that we don't have direct debits set up and I have to ask him for any money I need! Its not a situation I like, or am comfortable in. I need to have more control and also the security of knowing I am bringing money in whilst looking after my girls.

How will childminding fit round your family life?

I already look after lots of my friends children..so it seems logical that I get registered and then can look after them 'officially'. If I am registered they can claim Tax Credits and get 85% of the cost paid for them. Being a childminder will mean I can look after Kiera and Libby myself but still make some extra money. I don't want to miss out on any of Libby's learning and this way I won't. Also, its great as its a job I can do from home.

How has the course fitted in?

I've been training on Saturdays, so I've been able to juggle childcare for the girls with friends and family. The only issue with the course has been that they don't provide any childcare with it, which can make it tough if you don't have anyone you can rely on. I will be doing my First Aid course on a Saturday too.

Are there any other issues for single parents to think about with childminding?

Well, we are in council housing at the moment. I did a mutual house exchange which was great as we have a 3 bedroom house with a garden. However, the assessment of your home to be a childminder is very strict and I am worried that things like my windows might mean I won't pass. We don't have kitemarked glass here. My partner and I are trying to get a mortgage so we can buy our own place..however that makes me a bit nervous. The council house is in my name, so I know I will always have a place for my daughter and I even if things go wrong with my partner. However, if we get a mortgage, unless I am working I don't know if my name will go on the deeds.

Any advice for anyone thinking of training as a childminder?

I'm hoping it will give me the life/work balance I need. If you can get someone to look after your children whilst you train then its an ideal opportunity for a lone parent as you don't have to rely on childcare whilst you earn, its a flexible job that you can do from your own home.

Find out more about becoming a Childminder in our Job Directory