As a prospective childminder you must have completed training which helps you to understand and implement the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) before you can register with OfSTED. The EYFS sets the standards for learning, development and care of children from birth to 5. All registered early years providers are required to use the EYFS.
Take a look through our booklet to see what is involved in being a childminder. Although you can go through the registration process by yourself, we recommend that prospective childminders use the support and funding for training available from the local authority:
Please see our Flowchart to Becoming a Childminder through the local authority's process and read the information and details below for booking on to the Pathways to Childminder Registration E-Learning. Information about Preparing to Work in Home-Based Childcare (Award) training course is given within the Pathways to Childminder Registration E-Learning:
Paediatric First Aid
As part of the EYFS criteria it is a requirement that all registered childminders hold a Paediatric First Aid certificate. Leicestershire County Council offers a number of paedatric First Aid courses and has a list of preferred training suppliers who deliver First Aid courses around the county.
Funding
Once you have completed the Pathways to Childminder Registration E-Learning and booked onto your Paediatric First Aid course, funding is available to help you undertake 'Preparing to Work in Home-Based Childcare Award' course through PACEY.
Due to the level of expectations involved in meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and the necessary communication skills required, it is a requirement of funding that, before you proceed with registration, you are able to evidence that you hold a minimum of Level 2 in English Literacy or Language (English GCSE Graded Level 4 - 9 or A*- C).
English Literacy or Language qualifications can be accessed free of charge. For more information visit the Adult Learning Service or call on 0800 988 0308. To assess what level you are currently at, go to Excellence Gateway.
A £50 payment is required to access the grant.
Pathways to Childminder Registration E-Learning
Pathways to Childminder Registration E-Learning
This E-Learning training course will provide you with more information about becoming a childminder in Leicestershire and how you become registered with Ofsted. Cost: £10.
This E-Learning training course aims to give you enough information for you to decide if childminding is the right career for you.
The course modules cover:
- The role of a childminder
- The Statutory requirements
- Ofsted registration process
Preparing to Work in Home-Based Childcare Award (HBCA)
This course is recommended for prospective childminders who have not already completed training which helps you understand and implement the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This needs to be completed before applying for Ofsted registration.
It is a regulated qualification (officially recognised) and many of the criteria covered can be mapped to the Early Years Educator Qualification. This means that if you choose to progress with your studies to a full Level 3 qualification you can use some of the knowledge gained in the award. Upon completion you will receive a certificate.
Details on how to access this course (value £238.80) from PACEY will be provided by the Childcare Sufficiency and Safeguarding Officer at the Pathways to Childminder Registration session. A £50 payment is required to access this course.
In order to qualify for this funding, candidates must provide evidence that they hold either a GCSE/O Level English Language at Grade A*-C or English Literacy at Level 2.
Name: Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY)
Royal Court
81 Tweedy Road
Bromley
Kent BR1 1TG
Telephone: 0845 880 0044
Website: Home-Based Childcare Award (HBCA)
E Mail: Training@PACEY.org.uk
Course details
This course is online learning so you study on your own at your own pace at home. The average learner completes the HBCA in around three months, you will have access to the support of your expert assessor.
Preparing to Work in Home-Based Childcare is a Level 3 Award. If you want to work in a home-based childcare setting as a registered childminder, childminding assistant or nanny, it's the perfect course for you.
The HBCA is an e-learning course completed online so you’ll need access to a computer, and some basic computer skills, to complete the course. It is designed to be flexible and to allow you to combine a qualification whilst balancing work commitments and family life. You can view your training on or offline on an Apple or Android handheld device (a phone or tablet), but you will need access to a PC or laptop in order to upload your written assignments to the e-learning platform.
DfE Childminder Start up Grant
Childminders and assistants
Childminder agencies
Although in their infancy, childminding agencies are being created around the country to support you becoming, and to developing your childminding business.
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 through the process above or register with an Ofsted registered agency.
If you are wanting to set up a childminding agency please read the DfE guidance: A guide for childminder agencies. The Local Authority are happy to support any childminder agency wishing to start up in Leicestershire. Please contact 0116 305 7136.
Support
Depending on Ofsted grading, support from the Local Authority is available for childcare providers and potential providers through a variety of ways.
Find out more
If you are still interested in becoming a Childminder, or would like more information, without any obligation, please complete the online form to book onto our Pathways to Childminder Registration E-Learning course. Please ensure that you have read the childminding pack and flowchart before starting the E-Learning.
Pathways to Childminder Registration sessions
Organisations providing information, news, initiatives and events
HM Revenue & Customs - HMRC
The HMRC gives help and support to new and growing business through videos, webinars and e-learning. They also have a ready reckoner to help with budgeting for your tax bill as well as a product catalogue listing the support and help they give to businesses to meet their obligations to HMRC both accurately and on time.
Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years - PACEY
Business Smart for Childminders
Business Smart is a free online resource from the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY). It has been developed by childminders for childminders and is a collection of ideas, inspiration and tools to help childminders develop a sustainable business. You'll find top tips, videos, case studies, downloadable tools and other essential ideas to help you make the most of your business.
Early Years Foundation Stage Guidance - EYFS