Thinking of starting Up, Please Help!!!!

[hayley1982]

Hi Everyone, First of all i can't believe how much info there is on this site.

Where do i start.......At the moment i am working fulltime doing shift work and as i have a 3 year old and a 5 year old, I am really struggling and i miss them like crazy. I just can't stand not being here when they need me, ie. Bathtime, Bedtime, Breakfast, Dinner etc.

So, I am thinking of childminding. The only thing is, I only have a 2 bedroom house. I do have a huge garden and a big kitchen but the rest of the house is very small. I also already have my 2 kids. My eldest is at school from 9-3 and my youngest is at Nursery from 9-11.30.

So basically i wondered if any of you could tell me how many children i could actually look after because i know the size of your house does have an impact on that. Also does it matter that i live in a council house?

Also thanks in advance for any replies xxxxx

[angeldelight]

Hello and welcome to the forum

I did childminding from a council house and know a lot of friends in the past who did and it never affected them or myself

I only use my downstairs anyway for minding and in the past have had to use the lounge and just the kitchen for minding - you say your kitchen is large so that sounds great

I started minding when my children were young and so did Pauline and it really nice to be able to be with them every day

I am sure some of the others will be along to answer some of your questions

Don't forget to read some of the posts also on here about how to register etc etc etc

Good luck

Angel xx

[loum]

hiya welcome to the forum

SIZE DOESN'T MATTER!

in this case at least fnar fnar fnar!!

Seriously, you do not need seperate playrooms, or conservatories or anything like that. Not everyone has spare rooms, or upstairs's too.

[sarahnev707]

Hi Hayley and welcome!

Don't be put off by the size of your house. Give your local CIS (Children's Information Service) a ring and make enquiries about Childminding courses if you are interested....

Good luck!

Sarahx

[kelly76x]

thats exactly why i started i stayed at home with my older 2 then went back to work when they went to school full time but then we had a little 'surprise' a few years ago and with working full time i couldent believe how much i was missing my childminding even took him to his check ups as i couldent get time off which is why i gave up and became a childminder and i'm loving being at home with my son everyday and i can finally attend my kids events at school sports day ect ,

i wouldent worry too much about the size of your home like sarah said give cis a call they came out to my home to have a look round and had a chat about the procedures and things they are very friendly.

good luck x

[hayley1982]

Thankyou for all your replies. Very much appreciated. I emailed the childrens inormation centre yesterday and they are sending me some information. I did go along to one of those open evenings about 3-4 years ago but im guessing it's changed quite a bit since then. But then i fell pregnant and thought it was too much hassle. I am raring to go now. I have decided i am sick of having a boss and not seeing my kids. As i said many thanks hayley xx

[angeldelight]

Hayley you are so right it has changed so much in the last few years

Do not be put off by all the paperwork when you find out how much is expected of you - it is not that bad

Think of the advantages too

Hope it all works out

Keep us posted

Angel xx

[taw]

Hayley, I started minding many years ago whilst my own children were little.
We lived in a terraced house and I only used the living room and the kitchen and there was plenty of room so the size dosen't matter.
Having a 3 and 5 year old, you'd still be able to have 2 under 5 and 2 5-8s, and over 8s if you'd like, so it would be worthwhile doing it.
I started whilst mine were young just temperarily, and i'm still loving it 13 years later!
Go for it
Tracey