Starting your childminding career
If you’ve decided childminding is the career for you, take a look at the steps below to prepare yourself before registering with Ofsted.
Research
Before getting started, it is important you carry out your own research.
- Read our latest childcare sufficiency report, this will help you understand the need for childcare in your area.
- Have a look at the childcare directory to see how many childminders are in your area or speak to your local family centre.
- CBIS offer free business support to help you explore how much you could earn as a childminder. Go to Assessing Earning Potential for a summary of how to assess your earning potential or take a look at our Childminder Business Mini Guide for information on how to get started. Contact them via email or call them on 07887 833218 for general business advice.
Getting started
We have given a few examples of companies that offer training, but we cannot make recommendations. You need to research them and make your own decision of who you feel offers the best option for you.
As a childminder on the compulsory register, you are expected to work within the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. You should familiarise yourself with this framework and carry out EYFS training, prior to registering with Ofsted.
You must undertake training in both paediatric first aid and safeguarding. The following organisations offer these courses:
There may be other organisations that offer this training, but you are responsible for making sure they meet Ofsted requirements.
Some training providers may be able to offer a package, that covers all your essential training along with other benefits in one fee.
You will need to complete an enhanced criminal check with Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). (Everyone over 16 years in the household needs to complete a DBS). You will also need to complete a health check.
All registered childcare settings, including nurseries, pre-schools, childminders and nannies, are required by law to have public liability insurance (PLI) to cover them in their work with children. It makes sense, because accidents can happen in any setting, however well-run it might be.
Register with HMRC as self-employed. There’s lots of free support and guidance available to help you get started and maintain a successful business. HMRC have guidance on becoming self-employed and working for yourself. Also, CBIS Induction Training can provide tips, techniques and resources for managing the most common aspects of business such as; finances, marketing, managing customers and record keeping etc to help you run an effective childminding business. Email them to find out more information about what's on offer for childminders.
Every organisation or sole trader who processes personal information needs to pay a data protection fee to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), unless they are exempt.
Learning opportunities
Become a Childminder Skills Bootcamp
We are working with Oaklands College to introduce a brand-new virtual and face-to-face tutor led 12 week programme to help get you started in childminding.
Oaklands College are currently offering a fully funded, tutor led, 12 week skills bootcamp to help kick start your childminding career.
By enrolling on the programme you will:
- gain all the skills required to become Ofsted registered
- fast track your childcare business from home
- help children learn, develop and grow
- inspire children through play
- understand the registration process
For more information please contact charlotte.marsden@hertfordshire.gov.uk
https://www.oaklands.ac.uk/contact-us/