career change

[Louise]

not serious or a debate i know but needed a little advice.

 

has anyone worked in childcare???

 

im going for a drastic change in career, iv just applied to be a childminder, i know it dont tax the brain but i have experience with children and i have more patience with other peoples

 

looked on the net for advice but seem to be getting "how to apply" advice instead of "whats needed" such as first aid, other skills and the legal side of things.

 

i have someone coming out to see me soon but i want to look like im prepareing for it

 

cheers

[Dawn]

QUOTE (Louise @ Mar 9 2004, 19:13)

im going for a drastic change in career, iv just applied to be a childminder, i know it dont tax the brain but i have experience with children and i have more patience with other peoples

Bit of a worrying statement there imo Lou ... If you show more patience with other children than your own, then your own kids will pick up on this and cause alot of problems in the long run.

 

I know you need a house inspection, given clearance, insurance also health & saftey certificate and first aid.

[Lisa]

Basically hon, when i did childminding, they came out, inspecrted the house, checked for safety etc, pointed out what you need etc, they also do a police check & I think you need references from people, but it is easy really, being a parent yourself, should help.

 

It's things like, stair gates, house hold cleaners etc out of the way, loose carpets, commen sense stuff really!!

[Bungle]

Just been talking to my mum who works fro the pre-school learning alliance. She doesn't deal much with the childminding side of things but says that you could get in touch with the NCMA (national child minders association) who provide training courses and publications/books.

 

They should have a web site aswell, I'm guessing.

 

Oh and she also has the offsted standards, which you'll be assessed against, if theres anything specific you want to check. You can request a copy from offsted, but it might take too long.

 

Hope that helps

[Louise]

cheers guys

 

made the first move already, iv agreed to the criminal background check, i have nothing to hide there

[Maria]

Working with other peoples children can be so hard at times yet you gain ALOT of GOOD experience.

 

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with all ages of children as it gave me so much experience. I wanted to become a Nanny and passed in College but then I slipped into the industry of I.T and went down that career path instead.

 

Good luck and I hope you enjoy it !

[Maria]

p.s - I hope I don't start seeing you on the programme "Nannies From Hell" lol

 

JOKE !

 

[Louise]

QUOTE (Bungle @ Mar 9 2004, 23:06)

Just been talking to my mum who works fro the pre-school learning alliance. She doesn't deal much with the childminding side of things but says that you could get in touch with the NCMA (national child minders association) who provide training courses and publications/books. They should have a web site aswell, I'm guessing. Oh and she also has the offsted standards, which you'll be assessed against, if theres anything specific you want to check. You can request a copy from offsted, but it might take too long. Hope that helps

cheers bungle,

 

tell your mum it was a great help, thanks for the info, i know where to come if there is something im not quite sure of

 

[Bungle]

No probs.

 

I'm also an expert on dwarf football refereeing, caring for house plants and sausage hiding if you ever need any help with any of those.

[Louise]

actually, now you mention it...............