Working from home could be so much fun!
Childcare needs are on the increase as the population grows, as more people return to work, and as more children become entitled to government funded hours from the age of two.
However, there are not enough childcare places available to cater for children and more childminders are desperately needed to bridge the gap.
Jo and Mick are a childminding couple from Telford who took the plunge into childminding a few years ago and haven’t looked back since.
Jo found out another parent at her daughter’s school was a childminder and was interested in finding out more. After attending an information session, Jo knew childminding was for her. Mick joined Jo a few years later, when he saw how enjoyable and rewarding Jo was finding it.
Prior to becoming childminders, neither had any formal qualifications, but with the help and support of Telford & Wrekin Council and PACEY (Professional Association of Childcare and Early Years), both are now fully qualified childminders with a plethora of courses and ongoing development and training under their belts.
There’s a host of benefits to becoming a childminder the most appealing of which is surely being able to work from home and fitting in a career around the needs of existing children.
Speaking about childminding, Mick said: “You don’t need much to become a childminder, but you have got to love children and love what you’re doing.
I’m in it for the ‘wow’ moments, which occur so frequently when you’re looking after children who are growing and developing every day. My job is amazing and so rewarding I wish I had got into it years ago.”
Councillor Paul Watling, cabinet member for Families, Children and Young People, said: “The need for more childminders is huge, yet it’s a job that many people already have the skills and qualities to do.
“I’m betting that there are people at home who really want to get back to work but have children they need to look after. Childminding could be the perfect path to follow, you can still continue to look after your own children and be at home, it’s a win win scenario.
“Those who decide that childminding is for them can be assured that they will receive all the training, guidance and ongoing support that they need from the Council.”
Anyone wishing to find out more about childminding can come along to a briefing session. The next sessions are taking place on Saturday 3 October and Saturday 28 November from 10am to 12 noon.
It is advisable to book onto a briefing session to secure a place, but is not essential.
For more information or to book a place call 01952 385424 or email talkingchildminders@telford.gov.uk
