How to become a registered childminder

Are you considering becoming a childminder?

You can access a free information session - are you interested in becoming a childminder?

Please read the rest of this page for more information.

What is a childminder?

Childminders work in their own home caring for other people’s children for more than two hours a day, they are self-employed, and run their own business. Childminders look after children for reward in their own home. They can care for up to six children under the age of eight at any one time. They may also care for additional children over the age of 8.

A childminder must register with Ofsted or a Childminding Agency to ensure they and their home meets legal requirements. Ofsted or the Agency will inspect and regulate the childminding services. Anyone working or living on the premises over the age of 16 must apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Check to ensure they do not have a criminal record or any other issues that may affect the care of the children.

There are two registers; Early Years register and Childcare register (which has a compulsory and voluntary part). Many childminders choose to register on both, but some choose to register on the Childcare register if they plan to only provide out of school care to children in year one and above. You can find more information on the gov.uk website.

As a childminder you will deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (EYFS) and:

Offer a high quality inclusive education and care that meets the needs of all the children in your setting
Create an ambitious curriculum that will help children build their learning over time, to include opportunities for playing and exploring, active learning and creating and thinking critically
Offer a well-planned learning environment indoors and outside
Work in partnership with parents to encourage children’s learning and development at home

Do I need to have qualifications?

Although formal qualifications are not required ‘Childminders must have completed training which helps them to understand and implement the Early Years Foundation Stage before they can register with Ofsted or an agency’ (EYFS, 3.24). Bradford Council’s Training to register as a childminder covers all aspects of the EYFS and will fully prepare you for your registration with Ofsted. The course is delivered online and costs £125.

A childminder must have sufficient understanding and use of English to ensure the well-being of children in their care. For example, settings must be in a position to keep records in English, to liaise with other agencies in English, to summon emergency help, and to understand instructions such as those for the safety of medicines or food hygiene.

A Paediatric First Aid qualification is required prior to registration. Costs vary. Please find a suitable provider that meets the EYFS requirements.

What is the process and how long does it take?

The process can take between six and twelve months from starting the process to registering as a childminder. You should aim to complete the registration process as soon as possible and within a year of accessing the pre-recorded information session and/or attending the training as a childminder to ensure that your knowledge and training is current.

Will I get support from Bradford Council?

If you choose to register with Ofsted and follow the Bradford Council’s training route by attending the training to register as a childminder, a named officer will be allocated to you and will guide you through Ofsted’s registration process.

If you choose to register with a childminding agency, you will access training and support from your chosen childminding agency. If you wish to offer funded entitlement places Bradford Council will guide you through the Bradford Council application process.