Childminder

Also known as:

Babyminder

Introduction

Childminders usually look after children and babies whose parents (or lone parent or guardian) go to work. As well as providing basic care with practical tasks such as washing, getting dressed and eating meals, childminders encourage children's social and educational development. They provide a safe, stimulating environment for the children to learn and play in.

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Work Activities

Childminders provide a safe and stimulating environment for children to play in, learn and develop new skills. They may provide some books and toys, or use those provided by the family. They encourage children to play and take part in stimulating activities such as drawing or painting, reading stories and playing games both indoors and outside.

In the case of babies and younger children, they are responsible for basic care, such as changing nappies and clothes, and preparing meals. They must pay strict attention to hygiene at all times, for example, when making up bottles for babies. They may also feed young children at meal times.

In the case of older children the childminder may have to take one or more children to and from school and nursery school and look after them after school until the parents come home from work.

A childminder may end up looking after the same child right through from babyhood to secondary school, providing a long-term and stable caring environment for the child.

Some childminders specialise in looking after children with special needs, for example, resulting from a physical or learning disability. It is vital to see each child as an individual, and plan the use of books, toys and activities to meet their different physical and emotional needs.

Establishing a good relationship with parents is very important. Childminders should provide a personal and flexible service. They must talk with parents regularly, to make sure the child is happy and stimulated, to agree what standard of behaviour from the child is acceptable, and perhaps to plan the child's diet. A written contract must be negotiated to make sure arrangements are clear from the start.

Because childminders are self-employed, they must manage their own business, negotiate contracts, fill out tax returns and keep financial records.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As a childminder, you must be comfortable with children and enjoy their company. You must be caring, understanding and able to give encouragement. A friendly, cheerful personality is helpful, along with a sense of fun and lots of energy.

The work can be both physically and mentally demanding, so you will need good health, fitness and stamina. Patience and tolerance are essential; you must be able to cope with noise and constant demands for your attention. Childminding suits people who can keep calm under pressure or in emergencies.

Knowledge of first aid, hygiene and nutrition is useful, and attention to safety is very important. You must be able to show parents that you are reliable, responsible and trustworthy.

You should have the skills needed to run your own business, including keeping financial records. Your relationship with parents must be open and friendly, and also businesslike. You must be able to negotiate a written contract to make sure all arrangements are clear from the start.

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Pay and Opportunities

Pay rates for childminders vary, depending on the success of their business. There is no national rate for fees. Childminders usually offer a reduced rate per child if they look after more than one child from the same family.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Earnings are in the range of around £12,000 - £19,000 a year.

Working hours are decided in agreement with parents. Usually, pre-school age children are looked after from 8:00 - 8:30 am until 6:00 - 6:30 pm. School aged children may need to be looked after before and after school hours.

Childminders sometimes look after children overnight or at weekends. Some childminders work part time.

Childminders are self-employed and usually work from their own homes.

By law, they must register with the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care (the Care Commission) - Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001.

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Adult Opportunities

Age limits apply to this occupation. The minimum age for registration as a childminder is 18.

Most new entrants have experience of bringing up their own children or have gained skills and abilities in other areas of child care.

Colleges will usually consider applications from candidates who do not meet their usual entry requirements. You should check the admissions policy of individual colleges.

By law, all childminders must register with the Care Commission - Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001. Disclosure Scotland checks will be carried out on the childminder, and anyone over 16 years old who lives in the same house. Checks are also made on safety and hygiene in the house, and continued registration depends on satisfactory annual checks to make sure standards are maintained.

• 56% of people in occupations such as childminder are self-employed.
• 39% work part-time.
• 2% have flexible hours.
• 4% work on a temporary basis.

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Further Information

The initial costs in starting up your childminding business could range from £60 to £500. These would include the registration fee, insurance and any necessary alterations to your home. Depending on where you live, you may get a grant to help with this. Contact the SCMA for advice.

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New Developments

This occupation may involve homeworking.  Find out more about Working from home.