What does a career as a childminder involve?
- Providing a service for children of different ages and their parents
- Working flexible hours
- Running your own business.
Would it suit me?
- Are you energetic, enthusiastic and caring?
- Would you enjoy planning activities for children?
- Would you enjoy working with children from a variety of cultures and backgrounds?
- Would you enjoy working with parents to ensure you deliver a good quality service?
- If you've answered yes, then it probably would!
What is a registered childminder?
A registered childminder is registered with Ofsted to look after children:
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On domestic property, which is not the home of any of the children cared for
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For more than two hours in any one day
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For reward (pay or any other type of reward).
The Ofsted registers
Childminders are registered with Ofsted on either or both of two registers. These are:
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The Early Years Register for childminders caring for children from birth to the 31st August following their fifth birthday
- The Compulsory Register which is comprised of the compulsory and voluntary registers, for childminders caring for older children.
What requirements do childminders have to meet?
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They must provide proof of either UK citizenship or the right to work in the country and access public funds
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Complete a basic skills assessment to demonstrate a minimum entry level three standard of literacy and numeracy
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To meet the requirements of the Early Years foundation Stage
What training/qualifications do childminders need?
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A current Paediatric first Aid certificate at the point of registration
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Understanding how to set up a home based Childcare Service (Unit One of a level 3 course)
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Current Child Protection training
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Current Food Safety in catering training.
Why consider childminding as a career?
Childminding is rewarding and can fit well with family commitments. You will be self employed and running a small business from your own home. You can be flexible with the hours you operate and the ages of children that you care for.
Childminders in Leicester city are valued members of the childcare workforce are offered a range of professional development opportunities. Support will be offered throughout your childminding career.
Is there a cost in becoming a childminder?
Ofsted charge a registration fee to process your application, there will also be a charge from your GP for completing a health declaration on your behalf.
A childminding business will have ongoing costs such as public liability insurance, business use car insurance and continuing registration fees etc.
What do I do now if I want to become a registered childminder?
If you want more information on becoming a childminder and the registration process, you can download a REQUESTING MORE INFORMATION FORM.
(If you are unable to download, please contact our Family Information Service on 0800 952 5678 or 0116 225 4890).
Further information and contacting the Recruitment, Training and Quality Team (RTQ)
For more information about how the RTQ Team can help and what other services they provide, call them on 0116 225 4988, or visit them online.
