Childminding is a great way to make a career out of your passion for childcare and development or to combine your childcare with your job to make money even as you care for your little one.
Whatever your reasons for wanting to become a childminder, here are our top tips on how you can make the transition as smooth as possible and efficiently set up a childminding business that will bring you career fulfilment. It will also be worthwhile to look at the benefits of a company formation agent, who specialises in helping you choose the right business structure, file the necessary paperwork and obtain a UK office address.
Register Your Business
You must register your business with Ofsted so the government can ensure that you’re taking proper care of the children you look after. If you don’t register, you could have your business shut down and even be prosecuted, so make sure you obtain the correct certification before you start working as a childminder.
Create The Perfect Space For Your Childminding Business
Whether you intend to care for children in your own home or rent a specific space where you can host them, you need to ensure that you have a clean and safe space for all the kids you take care of. Ensure that all wires, plug sockets, pipes and other dangerous apparatus are kept out of the way or made safe so that children don’t hurt themselves and will be completely safe while you take care of them. Get toys and soft furnishings and ensure plenty for your charges to do and play with.
Hire The Service Providers You Need
As a childminder, you will provide a service to the parents of the children you care for, but you may need to hire the services of other companies to keep your business running. For example, you might outsource some areas of your business, such as the legal and accounting aspects, so that you don’t have to worry about dealing with tedious paperwork.
Another aspect of your business that you might consider outsourcing is cleaning, as children are often very messy when they play and eat, and you need to make sure that your space is free from germs and grime, so the children in your care don’t get sick. Use a professional cleaning firm like Ideal Cleaning Services, which has a specialist education cleaning service so that you can be safe in the knowledge that your charges are always playing in a safe and clean environment.
Make A Schedule
Be organised before you start your business by creating a rough schedule so that you know what will happen at what time. This may change with time, but you’re prepared if you have it ready.
Spread The Word
Once you have everything ready, it’s time to share the news that you’re now offering childminding services. If you’re a parent yourself, then tell other parents at school. If not, use parenting forums to share the news and get your name out there.
Starting a childminding business is an exciting venture for anyone, but it requires patience, hard work and organisation. Follow these tips to ensure that you start as you mean to go on and create a company you can be proud of.