Ever wondered what it would be like to be a childminder? Here, husband and wife duo, Dee and Brian Pennock from Taynuilt, share their experience...
In the summer of 2008 my husband and I became registered childminders in 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp and Bute. We both came from backgrounds which had no connection whatsoever to do with children or childminding but were both looking for a different challenge……. we found it!
We were most surprised at the help and support that where on offer to us and very soon had made plenty of contacts within Early Years at A&B Council a lot of which have gone on to become good and supportive friends of ours.
We started off quite slowly but very soon we were eager to know and learn more. Various courses are always available if required. It was not long before we were registered for Community Childminding. This aspect of childminding can be so fulfilling and rewarding. It cannot be overstated how much joy can be gained by simply giving some help back to members of our community who simply need a little support from time to time.
We never thought that we would be able to manage children with special needs, but all that changed the first time we looked after a child with autism and saw the love, happiness and trust in their eyes, that moment will stay with us both for ever. Our home is always filled with laughter and there is never a dull moment.
If ever a problem crops up and we feel that we need some advice there is always plenty to be had from so many in Early Years. We are now registered as Early Learning and Childcare Providers and as such we are now able to see the children right through until they start school. During the last thirteen year we have lost count of the number of children that have passed through our door but it is always with a lot of pride when we hear that one of them is doing well, just graduated, secured their first job, gone on to become a midwife or doctor, engineer or electrician. There is a pride to be had in the fact that perhaps, just maybe we may have had just a little hand in their success.
We have both enjoyed working together at home making our living doing something that we have both loved doing. Would we do it again…………..in a heartbeat.
To register your interest in becoming a childminder,