How I got in to childminding

The basic reasons behind my decision to move in to childminding are explained on the 'About Me' page of this website but here I will go into a bit more detail.

Late in 2012, when I was about halfway through my pregnancy with my second child, my then employer had a conversation with me and we agreed that the time had finally come for me to move on. It was a bit of a shock at first but, when the shock had subsided, I decided that moving into childminding was the way to go. It would mean I could continue in my chosen line of work i.e. childcare, without needing to organise childcare for my own children.

The timing actually couldn't have been much better because, when I rang to speak to Newport Family Information Services, I was told there would be a pre-registration workshop the following week. I attended this workshop, where I found out more about what would be involved, and got a little bit scared (!) but I was determined to continue with it, as it would be the best thing for my family.

The next task was to contact PACEY, through whom I could do my Pre-registration course. The next face to face course was due to start on 9th February 2013 but, as my second child was due on the 8th, this wasn't going to work! Thankfully I was able to complete the course online and my local authority was willing to fund the course, which was even better.

I think I expected too much of myself and this course took longer to complete than I thought it would, as I was trying to do it whilst also looking after a very new baby and on very little sleep.

As well as the pre-registration course, I was also required to take a paediatric first aid course and wait for my certificate to come through, before I could submit my application to CSSIW. Whilst I was waiting for my certificate, I did my best to complete the 52 page application form!

Some people think childminders go into this line of work as an easy option, I can tell you from experience that it is not easy! At the time of writing, I only have one minded child but, even before we take any children on we have to fill in the previously mentioned mammoth application form (which includes writing policies and procedures), complete a first aid course, wait for our application to be assessed and then amend the application (usually at least twice) and have our home and suitability assessed.

I have to highly praise my assessor (although I won't name her, for data protection reasons), as she was extremely helpful in getting me to get my application to a standard that could be submitted for my final registration.

It was a long, and sometimes stressful, process but I finally got there on 24th February.