Cogan Man Breaks The Mould To Start Childminding Business
A COGAN man has left the building site behind to break the mould in a female-dominated profession, with help from the Vale of Glamorgan Council Family Information Service (FIS).
David James had been used to physically demanding jobs, but decided he wanted to pursue a career in childminding after becoming a single parent and turned to the Council for help.
The FIS provides information about childcare, with the aim of helping parents, carers and those that work with young people and children in the Vale.
Mr James contacted the service for support and has since started a successful childminding business.
He developed an interest in the career after the experience of looking after his two young sons.
After two years of studying, Mr James has completed his course and gained Continued Professional Development qualifications in such areas as paediatric first aid, child protection and food hygiene.
He now looks after children professionally.
“I always previously worked away on building sites or in warehouses,” he said.
“But then when I became a single parent, I didn’t want to use another childminder and get a job.
“Then I thought ‘why can’t I look after other people’s children?’
“When I decided to study for a qualification in child minding, I was a little apprehensive. Out of 30-odd people in the room, I was the only man.
“But I was treated just the same as everyone else.
“There was a lot of effort involved and the Family Information Service helped me so much in completing all the paperwork involved in becoming a childminder.
“Considering other work I’ve done has always been more physical, I’m loving this new job.
“Now, I get paid to sit on the beach and have lunch. I love fishing and have taken some of the children crab fishing. It’s great to see their faces when they pull up a line with a crab on the end.
“They love going down the park to feed the swans or flying a kite.
“I have two children of my own and I will look after a maximum of three more at any time. I could take care of more, but it’s about quality not quantity for me.
“To any men thinking of doing something similar, I would say ‘why not’. It’s not easy but extremely rewarding.”
The FIS is a completely free service that helps parents gain access to training opportunities and support.
It also provides information on activities for children and produces a summer holiday brochure containing ideas of things to do when school’s out.
The FIS is able to provide details of any support services a family may need, information on different childcare provision and on any financial help that may be available.
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