GUIDE TO BECOMING A REGISTERED CHILDMINDER
Background - What is Childminding?
Registered childminders are professional childcarers who work in their own homes to provide care and education for other people's children in a family setting. They have to be inspected and registered by the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care.
Registered childminders are self-employed and take care of their own tax and national insurance. They are not 'employed' by parents but negotiate a contract for their service for which they charge a fee.
Why should I become a childminder?
Childminding is a rewarding career, and provides opportunities for developing new skills and qualifications.
Registered childminding provides you with the opportunity to:
· Contribute to children's development and learning.
· Run your own business.
· Work from home.
· Provide a valuable service for your local community.
· Develop new skills and qualifications.
Why would parents choose childminding?
Registered childminding offers a flexibility of service that is difficult to find in other provision. Because they look after only small groups of children, their daily routine is very adaptable. Being cared for by a childminder gives youngsters the opportunity to learn from real life experiences. Everyday activities, like shopping trips, school runs, family meals and visits to the park, teach children valuable life skills that they might not acquire so readily in centre-based care. These activities also educate children about their local environment.
How do I become a registered childminder?
To become a registered childminder you must, by law (The Regulation of Care Act 2001), register with the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care. In fact anyone offering a childcare service, in their own home for more than two hours per day for children aged 12 and under, must be registered.
The registration process is wide-ranging and rigorous, involving references, training, a health check and a police check on the would-be childminder and every other adult in their household. The prospective childminder's home is inspected too, to ensure it is a safe and suitable environment for children. Following registration, the Care Commission carries out an annual inspection to monitor standards and premises. Registered childminders must show how they meet the criteria stated in the National Care Standards for Early Education and Childcare up to 16.
To register with the Care Commission please telephone 01382 207227.
How long does the registration process take?
The time taken to register childminders varies, but should normally not take longer than 3 months from the date of receipt of the completed application form.
Do I need a qualification?
At the moment it is not a requirement of registration for childminders to have qualifications. There are advantages to obtaining qualifications especially if you want to make a long-term career out of working with children. It is also a good idea to undertake training courses to further your skills. SCMA and the Childcare Partnership regularly run a variety of training courses. At present all training courses are free and invitations are extended to all registered childcare providers. An annual training diary is produced and updated regularly. This allows childminders to pick out the courses they are particularly interested in. By producing the diary on an annual basis, childminders have time to make alternative arrangements for the children they care for on the days they plan to attend training.
How many children will I be able to care for as a registered childminder?
Childminders can care for up to six children aged under twelve at any one time, of whom no more than three are yet attending primary school and no more than one is aged under 1. This will include the childminder's own children and can be subject to personal circumstances. The maximum number of children you will be allowed to look after will be stated on your registration certificate.
It is wise to limit yourself to the number of children you feel that you can comfortably work with in order to maintain good quality care both for the minded children and your own family.
How much will I earn as a childminder?
Childminders are self employed and it is up to them to negotiate their own rates of pay and working conditions. The Scottish Childminding Association produces a guide of pay and conditions for registered childminders that gives an idea of rates of pay. The average hourly rate is approximately £2.50 per child per hour.
How much does it cost to set up a childminding business?
There will be things to pay for in setting up your childminding business.
These may include:
· A fee for registration.
· Cost of start up equipment - toys, high chairs, smoke alarms,
fireguards, fire blankets etc.
· Public liability Insurance/membership of SCMA.
· Business tools, such as cashbooks and contracts (available from
SCMA).
· Possible alterations to property such as additional fencing and
gates.
Are there any grants to help me set up my business?
Yes there are two possible funding sources in the Western Isles:
The Childcare Partnership
The Childcare Partnership awards a grant of £250 to each new childminder.
This grant helps towards the set up costs listed above. Childminders do
not have to apply for this funding. The Childcare Partnership sends out
this grant automatically when notified by the Care Commission that someone
has registered as a childminder.
The Childcare Partnership will also provide grant funding, up to £250,
towards any additional equipment needed. This funding must be applied
for. For more information contact the Partnership Office on 01851 707461.
Western Isles Enterprise
Western Isles Enterprise - HIE Starts
HIE Starts is designed to help people start up a new business in the
Western Isles area. HIE Starts offers financial assistance during the
first year of operation, plus free advice and guidance, and a comprehensive
range of courses in business skills.
A number of childminders have benefited from this financial assistance.
To be eligible for this funding you must apply before you become registered
as a childminder.
For more information please contact Western Isles Enterprise 01851 703703.
How do I advertise my business?
There are a number of ways in which you can advertise your service from cards in local shops to advertising in the press. In addition the Childcare Partnership operate a valuable service for childcare workers and parents called the Childcare Information Service. This service provides information on all registered childcare and preschool education. As well as providing a valuable service to parents it provides free advertising for childminders and other childcare operators. This service is available by telephone on 01851 707462 or by Internet: www.childcarelink.gov.uk/westernisles. Forms will be sent out to you to fill in when you register as a childminder.
How can I find out more?
If you would like more information on Childminding and/or would like to attend a preparation course for individuals interested in registering as a childminder contact Donalda Campbell, SCMA Development Worker on 01851 704009.
What do I do now?
If you would like to go ahead and register as a childminder contact your
Local Care Commission Officer, on 01382 20 7227. Donalda Campbell, SCMA
Development Worker, 01851 704009, will be able to help you through the
registration process and provide you with useful information and advice.