Becoming a Registered Childminder
If you are thinking about registering as a childminder you need to have undertaken training and suitability checks.
If you want to be paid to look after children under 8 years old for more than 2 hours a day, you must:
- Register with Ofsted on the Early Years Register if you plan to look after children aged 5 and under - from birth up to the 31 August after their 5th birthday
- Register with Ofsted on the Childcare Register to look after children aged 5 to 7 years
- To look after children of all ages, you must apply to both registers.
Who registers and inspects Childminders?
The Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED)
How long does it take to register as a Childminder?
Registering with Ofsted usually takes around 12 weeks, but timescales vary.
What qualifications/training is required?
You will need to complete the following:
- Pre Registration Briefing Session
- Paediatric First Aid Course (12 hours). You have to attend this course before you become a childminder. It will give you the knowledge and confidence to deal with common emergencies in a childcare environment.
- Awareness of Safeguarding and Child Protection Level 1 (elearning) - this can be completed via the Cumbria Safeguarding Children Partnership website.
Optional:
- Training which helps you to understand and implement the EYFS (if you'll be looking after children under 5). Although this is no longer a legal requirment, applicants will still need to demonstrate they undertand the EYFS.
How much do Childminders charge?
You set your own fees – most childminders negotiate with parents.
How do I find out more?
Call the Children and Families Information Service on 03457 125737 or
Go to the download section on the right of this page and click on the Becoming a Registered Childminder leaflet.