Meet the childminder who made a big career switch to work with Oldham’s littlest residents

People across Oldham are being encouraged to ‘Do Something Big’ by considering a rewarding career in early years, inspired by childminder Kerry Keenan.

Twelve years ago Kerry made the life-changing decision to leave her role running a busy call centre after realising it no longer fitted with her family life. As a mother of two, she wanted a career that allowed her to be present for her own children while still making a meaningful difference in her community.

That decision led her to set up Kerry Keenan Childminding Service.

“My journey started 12 years ago when my youngest daughter was born,” said Kerry.

“I was working in a really busy call centre at the time my eldest daughter was born and it wasn’t something that could fit in with the family very easily.

“I wanted to do a job that I could be here for the children and be at home if they needed me, so I did a course with the local authority and became a childminder which I’ve done now for nearly 13 years. I absolutely love it.”

Today, Kerry works alongside her friend Michelle Dixon, who joined her six years ago. Together, they are helping Oldham’s youngest children as they grow and thrive.

They care for children from the age of four months to 11 and also provide Wraparound Care (before and after school childcare). As part of Oldham Council’s Do Something Big campaign, Kerry is encouraging others to consider early years as a career path — whether they are looking for a change, returning to work, or seeking a meaningful role.

“Michelle and I have been friends since our eldest children were little at school. Michelle started working with me six years ago.

“I was looking after her little girl and she now works with me four days a week. We have a brilliant relationship.

“The children come in happy, they leave happy, and some children don’t want to go home because we have that much fun.

“You can’t really explain a job like it because it’s not like you’re working. You’re working with children and you’re having fun as well.

“We do PE with them, we go on adventures. It’s just a fantastic opportunity to work with different families, be part of their family and we’re friends with them years later as well.”

One child has been cared for by Kerry since she was four months old and she’s heading to high school this year.

“She’s part of the team now,” smiled Kerry. “She’s even said she never wants to leave. Hopefully I’m inspiring the next generation.

“We’re all one big family and that’s why parents choose childminders. We’re flexible, we can be contacted , we help with food routines, sleep routines, behaviour problems.

“We’re trying to instil resilience into these children and making sure they’re happy and thriving and ready for that next step into school.”

The Do Something Big campaign highlights the vital role early years professionals play in their communities and aims to inspire more people to look after Oldham’s littlest people.

For Kerry, the message is simple: “There’s no other job satisfaction like it.

“It’s perfect for a family and you don’t to have children yourself if you want to work with children and see them nurtured. You are giving routine and making sure children have got a safe space and that they’re ready for school.

“You see that child going off to school and teachers are telling you that they’re thriving, you don’t get that sort of job satisfaction anywhere else.”

Cllr Shaid Mushtaq, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “When you choose to work with our youngest children, you really are doing something big. The early years are where confidence grows and curiosity is sparked. Every smile, every story, every helping hand can change the course of a child’s life.

“You get to be part of children’s first steps, first words and first achievements. By choosing to support children in their earliest stages of life, you’re helping to build stronger families, stronger communities and a brighter future for us all.”

Do Something Big today and find out how you can work in early years by visiting www.oldham.gov.uk/do_something_big