New To Childminding

Considering becoming a childminder? We have put together some useful infomation to help you on your way to becoming a registered childminder.  Using the Noble Minder site will aid you in preparing for your pre-registration inspection.  Register for your free 14 day trail and use the tools to get you started with your new career in childminding.

Childminders within England are required by law to be registered with Ofsted.  There are circumstances where you are not required to be registered.  These include, only ever providing care for children age 8 years and over or only providing care for a child who is related to you.  Please visit Ofsted website to view all 15 cases that don't require you to be registered.  You may however, still wish to be on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, to do this you will need to meet the requirements of registration.

All other childminders, unless exempt from registration will be registered on one or both of the following registers:

• The Early Years Register - this is for childminders who provide care for children from birth to the 31st August after they are 5.

• The Child Care Register- this is for childminders who provide care for children from the end of the Early Years Foundation stage until the age of 7. This is the compulsory part of the Child Care Register. 

You can also register on the:

• Voluntary part of the Child Care Register-this is for childminders who provide care for children from the age of 8 to17 years only or are exempt from registration.

Childminders can apply to be on both parts of the register within the same application.  This application will be within your information given to you during your briefing session.    

Getting Started

Read Ofsted pre-registration briefing for those wishing to become childminders.  This is available on the Ofsted site.

Briefing session

The best place to start is by contacting your local Family Information Service (FIS).  This is a service provided by your local authority.  They will invite you to attend a pre-registration briefing session to learn more about becoming a childminder.  You will receive an information pack which will include your application form.  To find your nearest FIS visit the Directgov Website.

Your local authority also provides the 10 week pre-registration course for childminders.  This is usually run in the evenings and will take you through many aspects of becoming a childminder including: how to prepare for your home registration visit; requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage; safe guarding children, and health and safety.  Although this is a good place to start you can apply for registration first.  You are required to have completed this course within 6 months of being registered. 

Applying for Registration

To apply for registration complete the application forms within your information pack.  You will have received this during your briefing session with the Family Information Service.  If you have any questions call Ofsted on 08456 40 40 40.  Post your application to Ofsted.
Once Ofsted have received your application form you will be sent:

• A declarations and consent form, EY2.  This relates to other people connected with your registration.
• Blank non-disclosure application forms, one for each person aged over 16.
• Information detailing how to pay your Ofsted fees.

First Aid Course

You are required on point of registration to have a paediatric first aid certificate, you can contact your local Family Information Service and request a list of their approved training companies. This is a 12 hour course held over 2 days or 4 evenings.  There is a cost for this training 100% of which is claimable as business expenses.  Enter this cost in your expenses section of Noble Minder.

Criminal Record Bureau (CRB)

All adults who work with children under the age of 18 are required to be checked by the Criminal Record Bureau to ensure they are a suitable person to do so.  This is required before commencing any work, voluntary or paid with children.  This applies to childminders.  Ofsted will send you a CRB form.  Complete this before your registration visit.  The Ofsted inspector will need to see and verify your identification during the visit.  They will then complete the Evidence of Identity seen by the employer/volunteering organisation/ registered body section within the form during the visit.  You will then be able to send the form to the Criminal Record Bureau for them to process.  

Registration Visit

An Ofsted inspector will visit your home as part of the application process they will talk through the requirements of registration with you.  These are set out in the Statutory Framework of Early Years Foundation Stage.  You will have received EYFS requirements during your briefing session, however, if you do not have a pack contact the Department of Children, Schools and Families on 0845 6022260 quoting reference 00261-2008PCK-EN. Alternatively visit the teacher net site.

During their visit the inspector will:

• Evaluate your understanding of the Statutory Framework for Early Years Foundation Stage.
• Ensure the premises are safe and suitable for childminding.
• Determine you are ready to begin caring for children.  
• Decide on the number of children you are able to care for, the maximum is 6 children under the age 8 years. 

What Next?

You will be notified by Ofsted:

• If there are any additional actions required by Ofsted before your registration can be granted.
• If you and all other members of your household are suitable to be working with or have regular contact with children.
• On completion of any necessary actions, if there are any, you will receive a letter confirming your registration together with your certificate of registration which will include your conditions of registration.  This must be displayed at all times within your setting.  
• If a notice of intention to refuse registration has been issued.