Becoming 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.

Different types of childminders    

• Early years childminder - you must be registered with Ofsted and comply with the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework | GOV.UK (for children aged 0 to 5 years).
• Wraparound childminder – you must be registered with Ofsted and comply with the Childcare Register | GOV.UK (for children aged 5 to 8 years). 
• Mixed age group childminder – comply with both of the above.

Types of registration and working environment

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.

Also take a look at the Become a childminder: pre-registration briefing (GOV.UK) to know more about the types of registration.

Childminder agencies

Childminding agencies have been created around the country to support you becoming a childminder, and to develop 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 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 phone 0116 305 7136.

Benefits 

You set your own hours. For instance, you could decide to look after just one child or a baby for a morning per 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.

Take a look through our booklet to see what is involved in being a childminder from your home or a childminder without domestic premises. 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:

Next steps

Please see our flowchart to becoming a childminder through the local authority's process.

If you're still interested in becoming a childminder, or would like more information, without any obligation, contact us:

Phone: 0116 305 7136
Email: childcare@leics.gov.uk

You will be allocated a Childcare Improvement Sufficiency officer who will contact you to support you through your registration process.

What you need to do to become a registered childminder

Paediatric First Aid

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. 

Safeguarding

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

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

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. 

Health declaration

You need to complete and submit a health declaration form (GOV.UK)

Courses

You may also want to consider undertaking a Preparing to Work in Home-Based Childcare Award (PACEY), Level 2 or 3 Childcare Course. There are many colleges and training companies delivering face to face and online courses, either paid for or free.

Course funding

• Funding is available to support you to complete the HBCA. Self-contribution is also required. You can discuss your options with your Childcare Improvement Sufficiency Officer.
• 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 GoLearn! courses  or phone 0800 988 0308.
• We will contribute towards the cost of this course if you meet the criteria. Self-contribution is also required.

On going support

Depending on Ofsted grading, support from the Local Authority is available for childcare providers and potential providers through a variety of ways.

Developing your childminding business

Some important information that you'll need to read to help you develop your childminding business.

Other resources

Organisations providing information, news, initiatives and events

The HMRC guidance for the self-employed (GOV.UK) 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.