From Police Officer to Childminder: Ethan’s New Career Challenges Stereotypes in Childcare
Ethan McLean, Livingston, West Lothian
For Ethan McLean, becoming a childminder has been completely life-changing, giving him the flexibility to build a successful business while being there for his own four-year-old daughter.
A former police officer, Ethan took a career break after leaving the force and quickly realised he loved being a stay-at-home dad to his daughter and spending quality time with her. Ethan and his girlfriend, who works full time as a lead audio designer in the games industry, decided that his next career move should be something that helped support their busy family life, while enabling Ethan to earn an income.
Becoming a Childminder
Ethan took the leap with support from the Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future. One-to-one support from the Scottish Childminding Association’s dedicated Workforce Support Officer, a business start-up grant and access to fully funded, childminder-specific training helped him feel prepared and ready to establish his own business. All childminders are registered and inspected by the Care Inspectorate and the registration process is something that the Scottish Childminding Association supports new applicants with at every stage.
Starting a new Career in Childminding
Now, just over a year after opening his setting in Livingston, West Lothian, Ethan has built a thriving childminding business and a whole new flexible career. He already knew there was strong demand for childcare in his local area but admits he considered whether the concept of him being a male childminder would be too ‘out there’ for parents! He needn’t have worried – Ethan’s setting is full across his working week, and he continues to be inundated with enquiries.
Ethan has chosen to operate his business model part-time, and works four days per week, keeping one day free to spend with his daughter.
“Becoming a childminder has been completely life-changing for me. I design my own day around the children, and I have the opportunity to earn an income while being there for my own daughter. I love what I do – it’s such a privilege to be able to play such a pivotal role in children’s lives.”
Ethan childminds primarily for pre-school children and enjoys providing opportunities to learn, play and explore. “I love being outdoors and regularly takes the children to local music classes, childminding groups and local attractions such as Almond Valley Heritage Centre.
“On cold or wet days, I often meet up with other childminders at the local church hall for activities including art classes and messy play, it’s brilliant fun for everyone!”
Skills and Career Development Opportunities
Childminders come into the workforce with a valuable range of life experience and skills. While some may have previous experience working with children in other settings such as schools or nurseries, many have entirely different and valuable life experience that can be transferred into a new role as a childminder. Whatever the background, the most important thing is being passionate about working with children and supporting their learning and development, and being confident that they can provide a safe, nurturing, supportive environment for children and families.
The opportunity to learn new skills and develop professionally is important at the start of any career, and with childminding there are many opportunities to learn new skills and qualifications. For example, it’s good practice to complete SCMA’s Childminding Induction Support Programme and childminders should complete a minimum of 12 hours of continued professional learning per year to ensure the high quality of their childminding business.
SCMA also provides a range of professional learning and development opportunities for childminders, including on-line support sessions for those who want to complete an SVQ, further demonstrating competence, knowledge and professionalism. Since registering as a childminder, Ethan has gone on to complete an SCQF Level 7 in Social Services (Children and Young People). This progression has enabled him to become a funded provider with West Lothian Council and means that families can use their funded Early Learning and Childcare entitlement with him.
Should More Men Consider Childminding?
For Ethan, one of the most rewarding aspects of childminding is watching children develop new skills and confidence, while being able to share in their excitement as they reach new milestones. His own experiences have also given him a strong belief that they should not be held back by stereotypes – and that more men should consider childcare as a career.
“There’s no reason why more men shouldn’t consider childminding as a viable career option. Women are typically encouraged to break into male-dominated industries, and I feel it should be the same for more men who’d like the opportunity to work with children.
“I’ve been so encouraged by the reaction of other childminders, parents and families in my area, as well as my own friends and family – it has been such a positive experience.”
Ethan would “100% recommend childminding” to anyone looking for a flexible new career and hopes his experience will encourage more men to take the leap too.
A package of support to get started in childminding is now available in all 32 local authority areas in Scotland. For more information, please visit www.childminding.org/getstarted