In England - Ofsted
In England, before you can work as a childminder
caring for children under 8 you must register with Ofsted, the body
that inspects childcare in England.
You can read more about becoming a childminder in NCMA's
booklet, Become a Registered
Childminder (pdf, 208kb).
There are two registers maintained by Ofsted:
- The Early Years Register, for childminders caring for children
from birth to the 31st August after their 5th birthday. These
childminders will have to show that they meet the requirements of
the Early Years Foundation Stage.
- The compulsory part of the Ofsted Childcare Register, for
childminders caring for children from the end of the EYFS up to the
age of 8.
The vast majority of childminders will want to be included on
both registers as this then gives them the chance to care for all
ages of children. The registration process will cover both of these
but you will need to make it clear which registers you'd like to
join.
To become registered, first of all you'll need to attend a
pre-registration session where you will find out more about
becoming a childminder. You can find out when the next session is
being held near you by contacting your local authority. You'll
receive lots of information at the session, including an
application pack and details of the Early Years Foundation
Stage.
Once you've submitted your form and paid a registration fee,
Ofsted will contact you with details of how to apply for a Criminal
Records Bureau (CRB) disclosure, which is a check to make sure
there's nothing in your history to prohibit you working with
children. All people aged 16 and over who are regularly in your
home must have a Criminal Records Bureau disclosure (this includes
members of your family).
You will also need to complete a paediatric first-aid course
(before you are registered) and an introductory childcare course
(within six months of registration). Finally, an Ofsted inspector
will arrange to visit you and carry out a registration inspection
where you will need to show how you plan to meet the requirements
of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
If you're successful you will receive a registration certificate
and be able to start work as a registered childminder.
At this stage you may also be eligible to apply for a start-up
grant designed to help you with any costs you incur as you start
your business. You'll find out more about this during the
registration process.
You can also apply for NCMA membership and take out NCMA public liability
insurance to cover you as you childmind. You must have insurance
all the time you are registered.
You can find Ofsted's guidance on registration as well as more
information on Ofsted's website at www.ofsted.gov.uk (external
link).