Have you ever wanted to care for children? To provide them with a stimulating, educational home away from home setting where they can flourish and thrive? Then becoming a childminder could be the career for you!

Childminder:

A childminder is someone who cares for children within the childminder’s home. You are responsible for the safety, care, well-being, and development of children from several different families, all of whom may have different religious, cultural, and dietary requirements.

As a childminder, you are responsible for planning age-appropriate, stimulating activities, a safe and secure environment, and a place where parents trust that their children are being cared for in the best way.

As a childminder, you must be registered with Ofsted and comply with the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (for children aged 0-5 years).

Becoming a Childminder:

Your first step to becoming a registered childminder is to contact the Early Years team at your Local Authority.​ You will be given information about becoming a childminder, an application pack, and details of the early years’ foundation stage (EYFS).

The EYFS sets out the standards for the learning, development, and care of children from birth to five years old. It also lays out the conditions you need to meet for the safety and wellbeing of the child or children under your care.

Activities to assist with children’s development:

• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Design
• Communication and language
• Physical Development
• Personal, Social, and Emotional Development
• Literacy

You will also need to:

1. Complete a 12-hour pediatric first-aid course (which needs to be renewed every 3 years)
2. You will also need a police clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for yourself and anyone else in your home aged over 16
3. Have appropriate insurance cover, including Public Liability Insurance
4. Be self-employed
5. Be a homeowner, or have an agreement with the leaseholder of your property to be able to run a business
6. Have an Ofsted home inspection and an interview to make sure you are a suitable person to care for children
7. Have a medical check-up
8. Provide 2, checkable references
9. Complete an introductory training course, such as Childcare Help Early Years Care and Education Course, which outlines all aspects of caring for children and an introduction to the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework

How much will it cost?

• Early Years Foundation Stage Framework training is offered by Childcare Help for half the price of other training providers at £189.
• Pediatric First Aid Course offered by Childcare Help (£120)
• Ofsted Registration fees (£35)
• Insurance (price varies)
• Set up costs for the workplace such as toys, games, and safety equipment for children, kitchen essentials for cooking and eating may cost up to £200

Eligibilities to become a Childminder:

A career in childminding is ideal for those who have a love of caring for and educating children. The position is ideal, for example, for a mother, teacher, nursery worker, nanny, or social worker who wishes to establish a business from their own home.