Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Lookipi aftes kias is extseoely sewasaipi
LOVE kids? Want a satisfying career?
Well what about childminding? But wait just a moment. There’s more to this than watching Peppa Pig DVDs with a toddler.
Dawn Sime is a registered childminder who operates from her home near Errol.
Originally from Menzieshill, Dawn, 51, worked for many years as a trainerreceptionist at Douglas Sports Centre before switching roles to become a registered childminder.
“It was when my son, Matthew, was born that I become a childminder. He wouldn’t settle with anyone else!
“Anyone who looks after children for more than two hours a week has to be registered by the Care Inspectorate.
“There is a pre-registration course run by the city council which is seven, threehour sessions during which you learn about child safety, the basic requirements of the job and also everything you need to know about tax and insurance.
“Getting registered by the Care Inspectorate costs £28 — and it’s £17 per year after that for a person to stay registered.
“Your premises are inspected to the same standard as a nursery to ensure it’s safe and suitable and each place is rated from one to six. I’m a five which is good.
“I’m also registered with the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme which essentially means I’ve been vetted by the Scottish Government as a good person to work with children.
“My husband has been through the Disclosure Scotland procedure too.
“I really enjoy my work. I start at the back of seven and have children until 5.30pm.
“I pick-up and drop-off in Dundee and the surrounding area. So, if you offer that service, remember to look into insurance, car seats and so on.
“It’s good to have a garden. You can childmind from a flat, but you’re expected to take the children out to parks, the library, places like that.”
Dawn’s lad is 13 now, but she also undertook a college course to help her skills.
“It was an HNC in Early Education and Childcare,” she says. “Anything that adds to your skills is an asset.
“The main thing to remember is that you’re looking after very young children so you have to possess the skills, you have to make sure the premises are perfectly suitable and you have the energy.
“It can be tiring, as any parent can tell you. But helping children grow and learn and see them develop is quite wonderful.”