Becoming a childminder

The points listed below are some of the reasons people become registered childminders:

A rewarding childcare career
Work from home
Choose the hours you work
Have a job that is flexible to your own and your families needs

What is a registered childminder?

Registered childminders work in their own homes providing care and education for other people's children for more than two hours a day. Childminders are self-employed and therefore can set their own working hours and rates. They can be very flexible, many offering before and after school and holiday care as well as full day care. Childminders often offer drop off and pick up services to playgroups and schools. Childminders are registered and inspected by Ofsted, the childcare regulator, and are registered for children from birth to eight years. They are usually registered for a maximum of six children. A registered childminder provides care and learning opportunities in a family setting following the national Early Years Foundation Stage framework.

What qualifications do I need?
How do I become registered?
When do the childminder briefing sessions and courses take place?
How much does it cost?
Is there any support or guidance for childminders?
Further information
Next steps applying to attend a briefing session

What qualifications do I need?

Childminders don't currently need a formal qualification. As a condition of the Ofsted registration, childminders have to complete the 'Preparation for Registration childminding course'. See below for details. All registered childminders also have to undertake additional relevant training. Essential courses include paediatric first aid, safeguarding children, etc. A training programme is provided by the Starting Life Well service.

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How do I become registered?

You will need to attend a childminder briefing session (which lasts for one and a half hours) and is offered daytime or evenings. This is where you will find out all you need to know about childminding, the registration process and the Preparation for Registration childminding training course.

Following the briefing session you will need to complete and return an application form to apply for the Preparation for Registration childminding course. This training course consists of five three hour sessions, one day a week for five weeks and is offered either daytime or evenings. Attendance is required at all modules of the training course sessions. If you attend a daytime briefing then you will attend the daytime Preparation for Registration childminding course and if you attend an evening briefing then you will attend the evening Preparation for Registration childminding course.

Please note there is a cost for the Preparation for Registration childminding training course of £100. This cost also covers the paedatric first aid course. For those applicants who are linked in with their local Jobcentre funding may be available to cover this cost, please check with your local job centre. More information on the training will be given at the Childminder Briefing session.

Remember, by law childminders must:

Be registered with Ofsted
Be checked by the Criminal Records Bureau (including any person over 16 living in the same household)
Have their homes inspected to ensure it is suitable
Have paediatric first aid training
Be fully insured

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When do the childminder briefing sessions and courses take place?

The childminder briefing sessions take place twice a year.
Sessions are held in community venues across the city.
Daytime and evening sessions are offered.
Preparation for Registration (P4R) childminding courses follow the briefing sessions.

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How much does it cost?

The briefing sessions are free. The Preparation for Registration (P4R) childminding course costs £100.

There will be associated start-up costs that you will have to take into account, for example, purchasing equipment and toys, making minor adaptations to your home, insurance fees, Ofsted annual fees, etc.

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Is there any support and guidance for childminders?

In Salford there is a lot of support for childminders at every stage.

Ofsted inspect childminders on the Early Years register within seven months of starting to care for children and then at least once every three to four years. Ofsted inspect childminders with little or no notice. Guidance can be found in the Ofsted booklet - Are you ready for your inspection? This is available to download from the bottom of the page. Childminders must give copies of their latest inspection report to all parents and carers of children who attend the setting, and to anyone else who asks for one. SLW will also provide copies of reports to parents looking to make informed childcare choices. To access support just email the team at SLW@salford.gov.uk.

The National Childminding Association (NCMA) is the professional association for registered childminders and can give lots of help and information. Visit the NCMA website or call 0800 169 4486.

Morton Michelcan also provide services, insurance and information for registered childminders.

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