Newly registered childminders

Each person is inspired to become a childminder for different reasons. For many, they love that when you’re working with small children, no two days will be the same. It’s also a chance to run your own business, provide flexible care and education in a home-from-home environment and be responsive to individual children and their family’s specific needs. 

Here, Coram PACEY is shining a spotlight on newly registered childminders who switched to this career to support the early learning and development of children from their unique, home-based setting.

Jemma, childminder in Essex

What inspired you to become a childminder?  

I had been a teacher for many years and love working with children. However, the role had become increasingly harder and much more stressful and was no longer manageable mentally and physically. Being able to work with children in my own home, whilst also starting a family of my own and being able to be with them too was extremely exciting to me. Being a childminder means I can be my own boss, work my own hours and days and still enjoy my work and use my skill set. 

What kind of services do you provide?  

I work all year round except Christmas and Easter. I take on any aged children and take all funding, except during the holidays. 

What does a typical day look like in your setting?  

We start with breakfast at around 8:30am or snacks for those who eat at home. We then do exercises or a little activity, usually colouring or role play. We go out every morning and do an activity such as soft play, gymnastics, stay and play clubs, parks, museums, zoos, the Sealife centre and more. Depending on where we go, we either come home for lunch or take a picnic. If we are home, then we will do a planned activity that is based on the focus of the term. For example, counting or colours. We will then do another activity that links to prior learning. Following this, we read, do yoga or learn Spanish. Sometimes we have a disco or in other cases we may go out again or continue free play if they are enjoying it. 

How did you find the registration process?

The process takes time and there are expenses to consider such as medical and DBS checks. You have to carefully plan this time as I had a 4 month gap which impacted the family. I found support when I reached out to Coram PACEY with my questions, which were immediately answered and always helpful. I did have some delays to my pre-registration visit with Ofsted which put my start date back by 3 weeks.

What do you find most rewarding about your work? 

I love seeing the children laugh and giggle and not be shy when they arrive or not want to go home when their parents come! I have only been doing this for 3 months, but I do love it when they are all playing together and giggling and just generally really happy to be in my setting. 

What are your goals for the future of your business?

I am already looking at employing an assistant as I am getting messages every week asking for childcare and I really do not like letting people down. I am also hoping to build a room in the garden that will be purpose-built for my work and the kids. 

I would like to know more about the financial side as well as build experience with children with potential SEND needs and working with parents. I have worked with lots of children and families over my nearly 20 years of teaching, but they have been teenagers or around 8 years old. It’s very different with littler ones! 

What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a childminder? 

I would say to them to take their time. Take the process one step at a time and really think about everything you need such as travel equipment etc. Also, try and be ready to start before the start of term as I didn’t receive any money until Christmas when I started working at the end of September, because I missed all the funding deadline days! I would also tell them to plan ahead with any visits and the entry costs involved, and considering whether this is financially manageable, as extra charges for parents are optional. I take the children out loads, and the cost can quickly mount up. Additionally, have lots of quick activities and toys ready for moments when the kids get bored whilst you set up another activity or lunch!

Becca, childminder in Surrey 

What inspired you to become a childminder? 

I have always had a career working with children and I was previously a nanny for 16 years before making the switch to childminding! The role allows me to be my own boss, control my own day and dictate my own hours and salary. 

I started my registration with Ofsted online in July 2024. I got the email from Ofsted to have my pre-registration visit in December for the visit in January, which I passed. I was open by January 2025.  

What kind of services do you provide?

I am open Monday to Friday from 8am-5pm all year round. I offer early years care only. If I had a bigger space, then I would most definitely offer wraparound care. It is all about what you can manage or offer parents for childcare.  

What does a typical day look like?  

Everyday looks different, but the children arrive between 8am and 9am. We then do a morning activity such as a trip to my allotment with the chickens, messy play in a tuff tray, play group, soft play, play date or a walk. 11.30am-12pm is lunch, before I settle the sleepers. Whilst they sleep, the non-sleepers enjoy activities and games. I pick up my own children from school around 3pm, then balance supervising homework or reading whilst watching over the mindees playing. The end of the day is spent clearing away, tidying, reading stories or leading sing-songs until children are collected. 

How did you find the registration process? 

Whilst going through the registration process, which took just over 3 months, I signed up to a Facebook page which was filled with great advice and a community of supportive childminders who helped me through each stage of registration. The Facebook pages and people replying to my messages provided comfort and support throughout this whole process that I wouldn’t have received elsewhere.

What do you find most rewarding about your work?  

Children have different needs and abilities. It is up to me to provide an environment that supports their learning and development.  I plan to each child’s needs and stage of development. I make sure we go outside at least once a day. I also have a one-year-old Labrador puppy who we take on walks, which the children love. We go to soft play, groups and meet up with other childminders which is enriching for the children’s social development. I am always asking children what they’d like to do. I rarely plan and am guided by the children’s interest which often takes us in a different direction than I originally expected. 

What are your goals for the future of your business?  

I have always wanted to strive to be the best. Being a mother, I have always put my children first and my career has always been on the backburner. I have considered building and expanding my childminding business and perhaps even managing my own nursery one day. 

What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a childminder? 

For anyone wanting to become a childminder, I would say go for it. There is a lot of support out there, you just need to find the right people and talk to others in the sector. Research your area and see if there is a need for childcare (there normally always is).