Inspire young minds, support families and give children the best start in life as a childminder.
Becoming a registered childminder can be a challenging job, but is also hugely rewarding, varied and fun. Assisting and supporting children's early learning and development makes a real, positive impact to them – one that fosters confidence and helps them reach their potential.
Childminders come from a range of different backgrounds – some may be looking for a career change, young parents looking to run a business while caring for their own children or wanting to take the next step in their childcare journey. Some may hold early years degrees; others may not have any previous childcare qualifications but have a passion for supporting our next generation.
With a fantastic package of support and training available, get ready to take the first steps towards establishing your new childminding business.
If you're interested in becoming a childminder in Leicestershire, discover everything you need to get started. Find out about registration with Ofsted or a childminder agency, the training and requirements you'll need to meet, funding opportunities available to support you, and what to expect after you apply.
We're here to help you every step of the way as you build a rewarding career caring for children.
Childminding is about those small but powerful moments, seeing a child grow in confidence because of the care you provide.
Childminding gives you the freedom to choose whether you work from home or deliver childcare in a separate venue.
Take your time to look out our booklets below to decide which option would work best for you.
Some important information that you'll need to read to help you develop your childminding business.
You could register as a childminder on domestic premises | GOV.UK which means that you can work from home.
You could register as a childminder without domestic premises | GOV.UK which means that you can operate your business from a community hall, school or office building.
Take a look at the Become a childminder: pre-registration briefing | GOV.UK to know more about the types of registration.
Childminding agencies have been created around the country to support you becoming a childminder, and to develop your childminding business, Childminder agencies | GOV.UK
Childminder agencies are organisations that provide childminders with a range of services, including continuous professional development, training, quality assurance checks, brokerage with parents and business support.
Childminders can register with Ofsted or register with an Ofsted registered agency
If you're wanting to set up a childminding agency please read the DfE guidance: A guide for childminder agencies
A good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is essential.
The EYFS sets the standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 and gives you the knowledge and confidence to support every child to thrive.
This helps you:
As part of the EYFS criteria (Page 22, section 3.25) it is a requirement that all registered childminders hold a Paediatric First Aid certificate. Leicestershire County Council offers a number of paediatric First Aid courses and has a list of preferred training suppliers who deliver First Aid courses around the county. If you employ childminding assistants who may be in sole charge, they must also meet this requirement.
As the lead practitioner you must attend a child protection course that enables you to identify, understand and respond appropriately to signs of possible abuse and neglect. The course content must meet the requirements as stated in the EYFS framework (page 22, section 3.6).
Basic child protection/safeguarding online learning courses are also available from our Eventbrite page and the National Day Nurseries Association
Before submitting an application to Ofsted you must complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check | GOV.UK. This applies to everyone who lives or works in the premises. You may also want to join the DBS update service to maintain a valid check.
You need to complete and submit a health declaration form | GOV.UK
Childminders play an important role in giving all children the best start in life, including children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). As a childminder, you will have the opportunity to provide inclusive care and learning experiences that help every child thrive, reach their potential and feel valued.
The Local Authority offers advice, guidance and training to help you meet the needs of children with SEND. You can also find information about services, support and resources available for children and families through:
This accredited course will enable you to begin your first steps as a registered childminder:
Leicestershire County Council will fund £200 towards the cost of the Home-Based Childcare Award if you meet the criteria. A £75 self-contribution is required to access the grant funding. For those of you who have an EYFS qualification and/or previous EYFS experience, CPD funding can be discussed with your Childcare Improvement Sufficiency Officer.
Also see: A range of information and practical hands on activities for working across the childcare sector.As a childminder, you'll have access to a range of support from the local authority including advice through our Early Years Duty Line and duty desk email, networking opportunities, training and professional development, and guidance from Early Years professionals. We are here to support you throughout your childminding journey and help you deliver high-quality early education and care.
