Job description:
Childminders run their own business and come from many different backgrounds and are of all ages. Some graduates may be seeking a career change, some may never have obtained any previous formal qualifications. Imagine a job caring for and supporting children's early learning and development that makes a real, positive impact to children – one that builds their confidence, and helps them become well-rounded, sociable young people. Then imagine the flexibility to do this job in your own home, fitting in with your other commitments.
Childminder registration
- Early Years Childminder - you must be registered with Ofsted and comply with the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (for children aged 0-5 years only).
- You may wish to provide before & after-school care for school age children- if you would like to do this in addition to providing care for pre-school children, then you must be registered with Ofsted and comply with the Childcare Register (for children aged 5-8 years).
Working environment
You could register as a childminder on domestic premises which means that you can work from home.
You could register as a childminder without domestic premises which means that you can operate your business from a community hall, school or office building.
Benefits:
You set your own hours. You could decide, for instance, to look after just one child – or a baby for a morning a week. You may even decide to make your childminding into a thriving business and care for several children full-time, maybe with an ‘assistant’ – a partner, family member or friend.
Pay
- Actual pay rates vary, depending on where you work, the demand for the job and what you offer. Childminders are self-employed and therefore negotiate their own rates of pay and working conditions. They are responsible for their own tax and National Insurance (NI) payments.
To be approved by Ofsted to become a childminder
- Over the age of 18
- Be a homeowner, or have an agreement with the leaseholder of your property to be able to run a business
- As a childminder, you will be classed as a sole agent, running your own business from your own home. This means registering your business with HMRC and becoming self-employed
- An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and register on the DBS update service - enhanced background checks
- Passed a Medical Check
- Public Liability Insurance
- Planning permission from your district council if needed.
Comply with requirements of Ofsted registration
Main duties:
- You will need to follow and comply with registration requirements and guidelines of Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills) and the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (if caring for children aged 0-5yrs old) and/or Childcare Register (If caring for children aged 5-8 yrs old).
- As an Early Years childminder, you should download or obtain a copy of the Early Years Statutory Framework for Childminders 2024.
- Learning & Development- Areas of Learning & Development- As part of your daily practice, you will be expected to observe and plan activities for the children using the areas of learning & development.
- Section 2: Assessment – Using these observations, you will identify the child’s level of development and assess whether they are at the expected level for their age, plan supportive activities and next steps to support their level of development and extend their learning
- Review the Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements which are contained within the Statutory Framework (SF) for the EYFS, ensure requirements complied with.
- As a childminder providing care for before & after-school care for reception aged children, you must meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework: Section 3 - Safeguarding and Welfare requirements. For older children, you must comply with the requirements of the Childcare Register.
- Adhere to safeguarding and well-being legislation
- Provide a safe and stimulating environment in which children can play, learn and develop new skills through inspirational learning activities and encourage children to take part in activities, such as arts and craft or reading, and help them to become independent.
- Build a relationship with parents, communication with them about their child's routine, specific requirements such as diet or medical needs, religion, and what the child has been doing that day. Any accidents should be recorded and reported to the parents and talk about any problems a child is having and think of ways to help.
- If caring for babies and young children, you will be responsible for all their care. This includes changing nappies and clothes and preparing bottles/meals.
- Giving emotional support to children, making sure they are secure and happy encouraging children to learn through books, toys and games
- Support children and their families through changes, transitions and individual needs
- Offer free play activities, both indoors and outside
- Taking young children to parks, toddler groups and playgroups, and encouraging them to play with other children
- Plan, prepare and serve meals
- Keep paperwork in order, up to date and secure (compliant with GDPR guidelines), including; policies and procedures; observations; local authority correspondence; personal emails
- As you are providing a service to parents, a contract should be built by both parties agreeing to terms and conditions. Contracts should include the following: hours of childminding, fees for childminding, payment for absences, who is responsible for paying, date payment is due, meals included to make sure arrangements are clear with parents from the start
- Maintain your own professional development practice, keeping up to date with changes in legislation and practice
- Attend regular courses to keep your own knowledge and practice up to date and relevant to the needs of children within your care
- Taking older children to nursery and school and collecting them at the end of the day
- Work with other local childcare professionals
- Working with multi-agencies
Experience and qualifications:
Childminders must complete training to understand and implement the Early Years Foundation Stage. The Early Years Inclusion and Childcare Service offer many courses to support and enhance your childcare practice. You should also undertake Safeguarding Children training and equal opportunities.
Personal qualities:
Sensitivity and understanding Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations The ability to work well with others To be flexible and open to change The ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure Excellent verbal communication skills Customer service skills
Terms and conditions:
Public Liability Insurance. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and register on the DBS update service. Paediatric First Aid Certificate. You will need to contact your district council to enquire if planning permission is needed. Comply with requirements of Ofsted registration.
Benefits:
You set your own hours. You could decide, for instance, to look after just one child – or a baby for a morning a week. You may even decide to make your childminding into a thriving business and care for several children full-time, maybe with an ‘assistant’ – a partner, family member or friend.