How to become a registered childminder
We are looking for committed people to become Bradford District Childminders. Begin your journey today by accessing a free childminding information session and a guide to registering.
This is our recommended first step in exploring a career as a Bradford district childminder.
Just set up a login on the Skills 4 Bradford website. Once you have completed the ‘new account request’ you will be emailed a password. You will then be set up with your account and ready to book a place!
Book the free childminding session now
Here are a number of short films featuring current Bradford childminders sharing their experiences. Watch them below!
Or watch the individual films:
What is a childminder?
There are two types of childminders.
Childminder (with domestic premises) means you can work from your own home or someone else's home.
Childminder (without domestic premises) means you can work from an approved location that is not your home for example, a school, religious building, other building or outdoor area. But you are not permitted to work from domestic premises.
Both types of childminders are a self-employed career and involve running your own business looking after other people’s children for a payment. Being a childminder is a career, and enjoying spending time with children is crucial.
As a childminder you have a responsibility to keep up-to-date with training and information to support you during your work. Bradford Council are available to give you support and answer any questions you have.
A childminder can care for up to six children under the age of eight at any one time, and also may care for additional children over the age of eight (numbers above depend on whether the childminder has any of their own children, or children they have responsibility for).
Who do I register with?
As a new childminder you need to register with Ofsted or a Childminding Agency to ensure your chosen premises meet the legal requirements.
Register to become a childminder
Before you register
Before you register there are some forms and certificates you have to complete.
Criminal records, Disclosure and Barring Service Checks (DBS)
For a childminder (with domestic premises) 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.
For a childminder (without domestic premises) everyone providing childcare on the non-domestic premises must apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Check.
Health declaration form signed by your GP
As part of your application you have to submit a health declaration form to Ofsted. Your GP needs to complete and sign it. Speak to your GP.
Paediatric First Aid certificate
You must have a current Paediatric First Aid (PFA) certificate in place by the time you have your registration visit. The certificate must be for a full course consistent with the criteria set out in Annex A PFA training of the Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework.
As part of your application to register you also need:
- the details of two referees
- your full employment history.
What training is required?
Before registering you need to decide what age of children you want to care for so you can be on the correct register. This will be either the Early Years Register or the Childcare Register.
If you plan on registering on the Early Years Register then you need to:
- complete a paediatric first aid course – (12 hours)
- demonstrate you have knowledge and understanding of the Early years Foundation Stage Framework (EYFS) including how to implement it, as part of your registration with Ofsted.
- attend a child protection course that will help you to identify, understand and respond appropriately to signs of possible abuse and neglect at the earliest opportunity.
- have sufficient understanding and use of English to ensure the well-being of children in your care.
There are a different set of registration requirements for the Childcare Register.
English language skills
Childminders must have sufficient understanding and use of English to ensure the well-being of children in their care.
For example, childminders must be able to:
- Keep records in English
- Liaise with other agencies in English
- Summon emergency help
- Understand instructions for example, about the safety of medicines, or food hygiene.
Can I become a childminder without attending a training course?
Training is not a legal requirement for early years childminders, however you must meet the criteria set out above and demonstrate it to your inspector as part of your registration visit.
More information about Ofsted can be found childminders and childcare providers register with Ofsted.
Does it cost to register?
There are a number of costs to consider, some are one off costs for registering as a childminder, there are also set up costs, as well as ongoing costs as a childminder. Some of these are for:
- DBS check(s)
- DBS Update Service
- Fee to join the Early Years Register and/or the Childcare Register
- GP fee for the health declaration form
- any courses you need to do to register (child protection, Early Years Foundation Stage, First Aid) and then training once registered, and ongoing
- equipment or materials you might need
- public liability insurance
- Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) registration.
Watch the Childminding information session and registration for more information on costs.
Will I get support from Bradford Council?
If you choose to register with Ofsted and attend Bradford Council's training to register as a childminder, a named Early Education and Childcare Quality Officer will be allocated to you and can help guide you through Ofsted’s registration process. If you have general queries about becoming a registered childminder, email: childminding@bradford.gov.uk.
Meet the Early Education and Childcare Quality Officers.
If you choose to register with a childminding agency, you will access training and support from your chosen childminding agency.
Can I offer funded early education and childcare places?
The government funds early education and childcare hours for children before they take up a school reception place for:
- Funded childcare for two-year-olds
- Three and four year-olds
- Working families with children from 9 months old.
The number of hours and the scheme available to parents depends on your circumstances, but you be eligible for 15 or 30 hours over a minimum of 38 weeks per year.
If you wish to offer funded entitlement places, Bradford Council will guide you through the Bradford Council application process once you have submitted your application to either Ofsted or your chosen Childminding Agency.
