Becoming a Childminder

To become a registered childminder you will need to hold a Level 3 or above in Childcare & Education and have worked with children under the age of 5 years in the past 2 years. If you do not have this qualification you will need to complete the Local Authority 'Setting up a home-based childcare business course' (see below), or an Ofsted approved online course such as Pacey (see External links).

'Setting up a home-based childcare business course'

This course (which is one unit of a Level 3 Children & Young People’s Workforce Diploma) is delivered by the Bi-Borough Early Years Advisory Team, and is accepted by Ofsted as an approved course as part of Ofsted registration.
Ofsted is the government organisation that ensures all early years provision meets the necessary minimum requirements as identified by The Children Act 1989 and The Early Years Foundation Stage (2021) Framework.

Interested parties will initially attend the 'Childminder information session' and the subsequent EYFS/assessment session both of which are free, successful applicants will then be invited to the Homebased Childcare Course. Currently the cost of the course is £100. The course consists of 8 weekly sessions of 2 ½ hours sessions. 

Next Childminder information session: To be confirmed 

Next 'Setting up a home-based childcare business course': 19th of April 10am-12.30pm

Please note, to attend the 'Setting up a home-based childcare business course' places need to be pre-booked and interested parties must have attended the Information and EYFS/Assessment first.

For further details please contact:

Glynis Mates
Bi-borough Early Years and Inclusion Advisor (Childminders)
Mob: 07971 626075
Email: [email protected]

Anyone enquiring at other career choices within childcare can contact Glynis for information, advice and guidance. 

You can find further information on becoming a childminder at the following links:

• Childminders and childcare providers: register with Ofsted - Guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

• DBS checks for childminders and childcare workers - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

• Becoming a childminder and running your business - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

• Become a childminder: pre-registration briefing - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

• Preparing to work in home-based childcare | PACEY

• HMRC email updates, videos and webinars if you’re self-employed - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

• Children Act 1989 (legislation.gov.uk)

• Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage (publishing.service.gov.uk)