Becoming a Childminder

Are you interested in a career working with children?

There are a number of options for working with children including working in schools and nurseries. However, if you are looking for a more flexible option then working as a childminder or home childcarer could be for you.

Childminding

If you want a rewarding career, to be your own boss and run your business from your own home, then childminding could be for you.

As a childminder you will:

care for your own children at the same time if you have a family
provide a happy and stimulating environment
provide early years education and see the children develop
work in your own home, choosing the hours you work and the services you provide

What does a childminder do?

Childminders work in their own home, looking after children. This could be throughout the day with babies and children under five, or after school and in the school holidays with older children.

As a childminder you will work to a national standard and be inspected by an Ofsted inspector to ensure you provide a safe and stimulating environment for the children that you care for.

Activities may include:

visiting a park, museum, library or playgroup
arranging fun, stimulating learning activities, such as dressing up, creative play, reading, exploring cultural events
providing meals and snacks for the children, involving them in food preparation and menu choices
taking children to and from school or clubs

How do I become a childminder?

Step 1: Contact us on 0800 917 2 917 and request a pre-registration pack

Step 2: Complete and return the reply slip to register your interest

Step 3: Book your place on a pre-registration course and order your Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) pack in preparation for your course

Step 4: Attend the pre-registration training sessions

Step 5: Once you complete your training call us on 0800 917 2 917 to receive your Application Pack. This includes details on CRB, Health and Social Services checks via Ofsted

Step 6: Arrange and attend a paediatric first aid course

Step 7: Ofsted inspect your home

Step 8: Ofsted inform us that you are now registered

Step 9: We will send you a Post Registration Pack. This includes information on the availability of grants including start up grants and questionnaire to enable us to advertise your services free of charge.

What is a home childcarer?

A home childcarer (or nanny) is a person aged 18 or over who cares for the children (aged from birth to 17 years) or for children of no more than two families, wholly or mainly at the home of one or both families at any one time, such as a nanny share. They are not self employed, they are employed by the family that they work for.

How do I become a home childcarer?

Nannies do not need to be registered with Ofsted, however they can choose to register on the Voluntary Register. This will allow the parents they work for to claim the childcare element of Tax Credits (subject to meeting criteria).