Pros & Cons of Work as a Registered Childminder

Become a Childminder to Earn Extra Cash

Mar 17, 2009 Asa Ghaffar

Choosing to become a childminder is a great way to earn extra cash. Registered childminders often include unemployed people, single parents and retired people.

Individuals looking for work are increasingly turning to self-employed, home-based jobs. Choosing to become a childminder is far from an easy option, but does allow retired people, single parents and unemployed people to make extra cash from a full-time or part-time job. Those wishing to become a registered childminder should consider the pros and cons of doing so before proceeding.

Benefits of Choosing to Become a Childminder

• Earn extra cash. Those that become childminders can earn extra cash. How much extra cash is earned will depend on whether being a registered childminder is pursued on a part-time or full-time basis. Full-time registered childminders regularly earn upwards of £16,000 per annum.
• No boss. One of the main advantages of choosing to become a childminder is being self-employed. Registered childminders are free to choose what hours they work and can help to determine how much extra cash they earn.
• Expenses. Being self-employed means that a registered childminder can write-off expenses against taxes. Those that choose to become a childminder pay less tax and benefit from a higher net income than their employed counterparts.
• Own children. Having children means that those looking for work often turn to home-based jobs. Choosing to become a childminder is ideal for single parents and those with their own children. It provides an ideal way to earn extra cash whilst caring for a young family.

Negatives of Working as a Registered Childminder

• Personal budgeting. Being self-employed means taking care of expenses and personal taxation. Many registered childminders struggle with these activities which can create money problems.
• Heavily regulated. Ofsted will perform an inspection of the family home to make sure that it is safe for a registered childminder to conduct business. Anything that potentially presents a danger to young children, such as sharp objects, dangerous dogs and easy access to roads, will need to be dealt with.
• Criminal Record Bureau check. Working with young children will require a Criminal Record Bureau check. Working as a registered childminder definitely isn't suitable for those with unspent criminal convictions.
• Many children. Working with children is a demanding job, especially when caring for up to six at a time. Those that choose to become a childminder will need a means of escape and relaxation.
• Sickness. Those that are unable to work because of sickness will not be paid. It can also be more difficult to get certain employment-related income protection insurances.

Working as a registered childminder is the perfect job for individuals looking for work and seeking a home-based job. Those choosing to become a childminder include retired people, single parents and unemployed people. It can provide a useful way for families to earn extra cash.

Those that found this article helpful may be interested in identifying additional sources of extra income. Individuals looking for work could consider home-based jobs, like dog walking. It is also possible to raise extra income through the rent-a-room scheme.

The copyright of the article Pros & Cons of Work as a Registered Childminder in Family Finances is owned by Asa Ghaffar. Permission to republish Pros & Cons of Work as a Registered Childminder in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Work as a Registered Childminder