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Post by undecided21 on Oct 22, 2007 6:41:36 GMT
So I was up half the night thinking about what you all said yesterday and have decided its not worth getting into trouble with the law over it, so Im going to look into getting registered.
Can you tell me the things that would stop someone from being allowed to work as a childminder? I just want to make sure I will be allowed to do it before getting my hopes up and finding out later I cant get registered for whatever reason. So what other stuff besides a CRB check would stop someone being allowed to do it? I havent been in trouble with police so the CRB check will be fine.
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Post by angeldelight on Oct 22, 2007 6:46:38 GMT
I think it is more to the point what you have to do to BECOME A CHILDMINDER If you go to this link it will be explained by Pauline what you need to do www.childmindinghelp.co.uk/Angel x |
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Post by undecided21 on Oct 22, 2007 6:55:18 GMT
Thanks Ive read some of it and have a question.
We live in a council home so thats going to stop me being able to do it because I dont think the council allow you to run a business from home if you live in one of their properties. I'll have to check the booklet about that but im sure Ive read it before. Anyone else know?
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Post by angeldelight on Oct 22, 2007 6:56:45 GMT
I lived in a council house for years and it never did stop me
Angel xx
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Post by lynnslittleuns on Oct 22, 2007 19:02:13 GMT
I live in a 4 bedroom council house and i wrote a letter to my local estate manager, out of politeness as much as anything, asking if they had any objection to me childminding from my home. They replied within about a week saying they had no objections at all and good luck with my venture. I show this letter in my profile.
Lynn xx
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Post by vik3000 on Oct 22, 2007 19:18:31 GMT
Hello again Undecided If you go to the surestart.gov.uk you will find copies of the national standards there - that as childminders we have to comply with (it all may look a little daunting but don't be put of) www.surestart.gov.uk/_doc/P0002411.pdf (hopefully that link will work) If you contact you local council they will be able to advise you more - I would have thought that they run pre-registration meetings where you can go and find out more. Thats not to say we aren't happy to answer your questions! You have to have a criminal record check (as does anyone over 16 in your home), medical checks (a form signed by your doctor), these are the initial stages..... |
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Post by undecided21 on Oct 23, 2007 10:43:17 GMT
Yeah im checking out stuff online, I book marked a web page called "steps to becoming a childminder" it lists in order the things you need to do. Im glad its okay to do it if you live in a council place, but what about if you are in a flat not a house? We are in a council flat, the rooms are big, but still...would that prevent me being registered? And the main thing I think will stop me being able to do it is the health check.  Im fit to look after children though or my son wouldnt be in my care. Ive raised him for almost 5 years, we dont have a social worker or anything, always been fine and I get support from my family. Health wise though, my doctor diagnosed me with anxiety and depression just over a year ago. I take medication for it and im okay mainly. Will that stop me being able to get registered? |
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Post by sarahnev707 on Oct 23, 2007 11:32:23 GMT
Hi! With regard to the doctor's check, the only one who can answer that for you is your doc I'm afraid. There's nothing to stop you making an appointment and asking - if you're stable on medication it will probably be ok. The form Ofsted ask the doc to fill in can cost a lot to do (it cost a friend £50 recently), so it might be best to check what your doc is going to say first Good luck! Sarahx  |
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Post by tasha on Oct 23, 2007 11:41:15 GMT
Depression of any kind is not normally a problem, as long as it is managed, which it sounds like yours is...as Sarah says..why don't you speak with your Dr about it though? Tasha |
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Post by vik3000 on Oct 23, 2007 13:27:11 GMT
Yeah im checking out stuff online, I book marked a web page called "steps to becoming a childminder" it lists in order the things you need to do. Im glad its okay to do it if you live in a council place, but what about if you are in a flat not a house? We are in a council flat, the rooms are big, but still...would that prevent me being registered? And the main thing I think will stop me being able to do it is the health check. Im fit to look after children though or my son wouldnt be in my care. Ive raised him for almost 5 years, we dont have a social worker or anything, always been fine and I get support from my family. Health wise though, my doctor diagnosed me with anxiety and depression just over a year ago. I take medication for it and im okay mainly. Will that stop me being able to get registered? I understand your questions and your trepidation about the processes but your first course of action would be to contact your local council and attend a pre-reg meeting where you can have most of these questions answered - like Sarah says the only person who can answer certain question will be your doctor, asking the council directly (re you living in a flat - there are plenty of childminders who live in flats so I can't see it being a problem) and ultimately you send all these bits and bobs back to OFSTED and they are the ones who decided yes or no. The thing is you won't know until you have tried. A childminder friend suffered post natal depression but was given permission to register as a childminder. Her condition was treated and managed. OFSTED aren't total ogres and do understand that us childminders are normal mortal human beings in a variety of circumstances. Again I refer you to the Standards - ensuring that your "setting" home is safe/adequate and that you understand the potential dangers. Its good that you are checking all these avenues out for yourself as it helps you to build up a fuller picture. |
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Post by undecided21 on Oct 25, 2007 6:15:43 GMT
Ok thank you. I have to make a doctors appointment anyway for in 3 weeks, so I'll mention it to him at that appointment. What do I say to him? Im still concerned its going to stop me being registered. Last time he said I could see a psychiatrist at the hospital if I want and I turned it down because I was scared and felt like everyone would think im going mad or something, but now I want to tell him I'd like to see one. If Ofstead know im seeing a psychiatrist, thats not going to go down well. So I mean if its going to prevent them thinking I should be registered, then maybe I should wait until after the health check thing to ask the doctor about seeing a psychiatrist? Its basically a glorified counsellor but they are more qualified which is good as they can help more than just a counsellor. You shouldnt assume anyone seeing one is a nutcase, who doesnt need someone to talk to about stuff? I think everyone would benefit from seeing one, so im not going to let other peoples ignorant opinions of it stop me.
I will also phone the council to see when and where the next pre-registration meeting is.
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Post by Pauline on Oct 25, 2007 6:28:24 GMT
Hi
It wouldn't make any difference if you waited until after the health check to see the psychiatrist as you would still have to notify Ofsted about it.
You must notify Ofsted of any changes in your health before, during and after registration.
It's best to be honest with them otherwise you might get into serious trouble. Like others have said they are human and understanding and will help all they can to get you registered.
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Post by vik3000 on Oct 25, 2007 7:26:29 GMT
DOn't worry about what other people would say or think about you - where your health is concerned it is so important that you get the right kind of treatment. If people are so ignorant and narrow minded that they would think you "mad" just because you've had depression and you (will be) are seeing a counsellor then it shows they aren't people worth knowing in the first place.
Blimey in America its almost de rigeur to have a counsellor!!!!
And if OFSTED see you are seeing a professional trained counsellor then that will also show that you are serious about your health and wellbeing and making progress but I am no way saying that OFSTED would or would not say yes or no (I have no idea what descision they will give you). There is no shame in seeing a counsellor and they are highly skilled people with training in making the mind well. Sadly in this country we tend not to look after or take seriously mental health and especially in our job we need to ensure that we care for that side of ourselves as well!
The only people who can decided based on the information you, your doctor and your CRB, is OFSTED. And best, as Pauline says to be up front and honest with them from the outset.
Good on you for starting to organise a trip to the next pre-reg meeting - I think its there you will get all the forms and documentation (correct me if I am wrong everyone), the health questions and declaration for your doctor to fill in etc. There isn't really much that can be decided or done until you have been to this meeting - where you might find that childminding isn't what you thought it would be.
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Post by tasha on Oct 25, 2007 7:26:34 GMT
Your seeing a pychyatrist would be seen as a good thing as it's further proof that your depression is managed & monitored. Tasha |
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Post by undecided21 on Oct 27, 2007 20:20:09 GMT
Ok thanks.
What about being on benefits? We get income support and housing benefit, would that prevent me from being a registered childminder?
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Post by sarahnev707 on Oct 27, 2007 21:08:23 GMT
Benefits are available through the tax credits system You will find that out when you go to your local pre-reg meeting - they will give you all the phone numbers Sarah |
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Post by tasha on Oct 27, 2007 21:20:58 GMT
Ok thanks. What about being on benefits? We get income support and housing benefit, would that prevent me from being a registered childminder? No Tasha |
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Post by theresa on Oct 27, 2007 21:28:37 GMT
I really think you need to contact your local children's information service, they will have the answers you need, of course we don't mind helping you on here but they really are the best source of information, ask them to send out some info etc, also phone the benefits office as obviously they are the best people to give you advice on what benefits you can claim etc.
xxx
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Post by bella on Oct 28, 2007 11:32:44 GMT
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Post by undecided21 on Oct 29, 2007 12:34:33 GMT
there are different rules for minding when your on income support (you dont come off it untill you are earning enough to go onto tax credits. Oh ...different rules? Well as I will be childminding for over 16 hours a week, I should be entitled to working family tax credits...is that the same as tax credits? Might be the new name for it. And If you get working family tax credit, that replaces your income support money. I dont think it depends on your earnings? I thought it was as long as you work 16 hours a week minimum. I thought being on benefits might stop me being allowed to do it...like not having enough money or something. You weren't working before you did childminding bella? Because thats where I am now. I havent worked in a few years, we've lived on income support basically and still are living on it. Thanks everyone for replying, im going to phone the local council here this afternoon....can you tell me what I say? Do I ask them to put me through to someone in the "childrens information service department"? Then once through to them, I say something like "Im interested in becoming a registered childminder and have been told I need to attend a pre-registration meeting with you?" .....then see what they say, right? |
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Post by tasha on Oct 29, 2007 12:44:36 GMT
Yes that's right! Tasha |
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Post by undecided21 on Oct 30, 2007 14:46:36 GMT
Blahhhhhh I knew it wouldnt be simple...god hates me lol Anyway first the council woman didnt know the number for the childs infor service place, then she thought there wasnt such a thing...and then she finally found it! Then I spoke to the woman at the childrens information service...but they are fully booked for the next pre-reg meeting which is in November....so now I have to wait until January for the next meeting!!! Im disappointed really...because now if it takes 3 months from start to finish to be fully registered, that means I cant work as a child minder until April 2008. (She said they have 30 places available at each meeting - so looks like a lot of people want to be childminders here! darn it...) *sigh* Its ages away...so what am I going to do from January-March while my child is in school fulltime, and while im waiting for all the paperwork for childminding to be completed etc?  I dont know what to do. I should recieve a letter about the meeting in January anyway. She told me its a 2 part meeting...so theres one on monday, then one the following monday...and its from 7pm-9pm so I will have to get my mum to babysit those nights which is hopefully ok, have to check shes not working. I wish I could have gone to the one next month though! |
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Post by loum on Oct 30, 2007 15:08:42 GMT
Don't be disheartened, it took ages for me to get on a course, almost a year, and now another 10 months since starting that course to get where I am now, with my registration inspection tomorrow EEEK! All good things come to those who wait  |
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Post by littlesprogs on Oct 30, 2007 15:40:30 GMT
while your waiting for your meeting you could maybe start your policies and paperwork. This will mean when you go to your meeting you will understand bits of it abit more and it will also impress ofsted for when you have your pre-reg inspection. The site below will help with your policies www.bromleycma.org.uk/policies/policies_and_procedures.html |
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Post by theresa on Oct 30, 2007 15:44:33 GMT
you can also do some voluntary work at a nursery school, this will equip you with ideas and also look good on your portfolio, even if it's just a couple of hours a week helping kids to read
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Post by vik3000 on Oct 30, 2007 17:42:46 GMT
You've been given some really sound advice about preparing yourself so there isn't much really to add.
There might be a cancellation and you (fingers crossed) will get a phone call. Don't be dismayed at the amount of childminders - a good few will drop out.
Glad things are progessing along for you (albiet slowly!).
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Im fit to look after children though or my son wouldnt be in my care. Ive raised him for almost 5 years, we dont have a social worker or anything, always been fine and I get support from my family. 
I dont know what to do. I should recieve a letter about the meeting in January anyway. She told me its a 2 part meeting...so theres one on monday, then one the following monday...and its from 7pm-9pm so I will have to get my mum to babysit those nights which is hopefully ok, have to check shes not working. I wish I could have gone to the one next month though!
