Finally decided and sent off application form

[traceym77]

Hi all

First of all just want to say a big thanks for all the helpful advice I've gained from this site - it's helped me to make the final decision to go for it. I'm on maternity leave at the moment (have 5 month old son) and due to go back in March. However after spending days with a sore head, spoke to my boss to let her know I was thinking of childminding instead. Had a fire inspection yesterday which went well and am attending pre reg training on 8th and 15th dec - so it's all go from now.

If you don't mind, I've a couple of questions:-
If you know who you will be minding for is it still necessary to buy toys that ranges from different ages, ie I know one will be the same age almost as my son therefore have what he has. My other one is a 4 year old so know what he needs, would I therefore have to get toys for an 8 year old for instance?

On my app form, it asked where my childminding will take place and I put downstairs unless it's a baby for naps, upstairs. However after having my fire inspection, have been told if I do this will have to put a mains smoke alram in that room so they recommended to keep it downstairs. Is this what most people do? I also wondered, my daughter plays with one of my intended mindees so I was thinking one of my rules would be they could only go in her room if invited by her - but I'm led to believe then I would need an alarm for there too? Is that right?

Think that's all for now but no doubt I'll be on here quite a lot in the near future.

Thanks again for your help

Tracey

[sarahnev707]

Fab news!

Dont' worry about toys yet but yes you'll be expected to cater for all ages. You can hit the car boot sales when you're further down the line with the application... you might even get a grant - worth asking!

I have wired smoke alarms - but I know you need them on all floors children visit... so it would count for sleeping babies upstairs... not sure about if they went to another child's room when they're older. I say out of bounds until child is over 5 then only on invite from my own children - Ofsted fine with that

Babies should be checked when asleep and blowed if I'm spending all my time trotting upstairs - esp if there's a toddler or 2 in tow! They sleep in a quiet corner or in the hall... outside on a sunny day in the shade

Sarahx

[miffy]

Hiya Tracey

Just wanted to say good luck with your pre-reg training.

Keep us up to date

Miffy

[raggydolls]

depending on how quickly your registration goes through u might not be allowed to care for another child under one - u can get a variation on your certificate but for most of us its just 1 child under one

[traceym77]

Hi there

Just want to say thanks for answering. In reply to raggy doll, I won't actually be thinking of taking other baby Daniel's age until next May when he will be a year old, so only my son will be under 1 until June. It's all quite confusing, I'm only hoping everything will be ok. Went to local childminding support group and seems to be that the commissioners are quite picky, so not looking forward to the inspection.

[banana]

Good for you deciding to go for it!!

I am sure it will be a career choioce you love!

Good luck with the process!! Let us know if there's anything we can do!

x