Kerry hasn't looked back after her life-changing career move and is encouraging others to do the same.
She decided 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. Today, Kerry works alongside her friend Michelle Dixon, caring for children from the age of four months to 11 and also providing Wraparound Care (before and after school childcare).
"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."
Kerry says: "It's perfect for a family and you don't have 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.
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," says 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."