Becoming an Ofsted registered childminder

Becoming a childminder is an interesting and rewarding process. You will gain professional qualifications, get support in setting up your own business, work from your own home and be your own boss. If you are interested becoming a childminder you will be invited to attend a Briefing Session, organised and run by the Early Years Team.

This session will outline all aspects of childminding and explain to you the requirements you have to meet.  You will need to complete the Introduction to Childminding (also known as ICP) course and obtain a paediatric first aid certificate.

Your role will be diverse, from taking care of the most basic needs of the children to planning activities, observing and assessing their development. You will build a close relationship with parents. Working with children will become a two-way process. You will get as much from them as they will from you.

To start the process of becoming a childminder, you will need to read through the information pack available from the links below and contact the Family Information Service on 0207 361 3302 to book at place on the Briefing Session.

Childminder Briefing Pack

The childminder briefing pack is available for download here [PDF] (file size 103Kb), alternatively, please click on the links below to view the information on our webpages:

•  becoming a childminder
•  what makes a good childminder?
•  procedures for registering as a childminder
•  getting started - obtaining a starter pack, documents and advertising your service

The next 'Becoming a Childminder' briefing session date is Tuesday 24 September 2013, 10am - 12 noon at The Isaac Newton Centre, 108A Lancaster Road, London, W11 1QS.  Please contact the Family Information Service on 0207 361 3302 to book a place.

Please note that this course is only available to residents of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.  To find out details of childminder courses in your borough of residence, please contact your local Family Information Service.

After completing the childminder briefing sessions

Once you have completed the briefing sessions, you will need to obtain an Ofsted Childminder Registration pack (EY2 Form).  You can do this by completing an online application form through Ofsted's website.  Please note that Ofsted will no longer be printing application packs and encourage users to apply through their online portal.

After completing the forms, they will need to be sent to Ofsted with a payment for the application fee.  You will then be issued with a CRB check form and Ofsted will make a request for references.  Once Ofsted have received the references and the CRB check form back, you will be issued a decision letter with the chance to appeal if unsuccessful or if successful, with lists of actions to carry out before issuing you with a registration certificate.  Please note that if the application fee has not been paid in the first instance, this may delay your application process.  Ofsted aim to complete the registration process within 12 weeks but it can vary depending on circumstance.

If you would like more information on registering with Ofsted as a childminder or the registration process, please click here.