Become a childminder

Find out what you need to do to become a childminder.

Steps to registering as a childminder

1. Step 1:

   Please contact our Early Years Team to discuss if this is the career for you. We have dedicated Early Years Advisors who support you as you prepare for your Ofsted registration inspection.

   For more information email early_years@bathnes.gov.uk or telephone 01225 39 40 42.

2. Step 2:

   Read the pre-registration briefing document on GOV.UK to find out what you need to know to become a childminder. You also need to read the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework (EYFS) on GOV.UK about setting the standards for the learning, development and care of children under five years old.

3. Step 3:

   Contact the Early Years Team for information about the Introduction to Childminding course, which is a free, online course that you can access at any time, backed with one-to-one mentor support.

   The course covers the information required by Ofsted for registration. Find out more about the Introduction to Childminding course by searching on our training website, The Hub.

4. Step 4:

   Book on to a 12 hour Paediatric First Aid course on our training website. Part of the course is delivered face-to-face, and part of the course is online.

   Book onto a 2-hour Child Protection course which is delivered face-to-face.

   Both training courses are booked on our training website The Hub and there are associated costs.

5. Step 5:

   You need to have an enhanced DBS check with barred lists before you can register with Ofsted.

   Apply for a DBS check on GOV.UK, for yourself and any people over the age of 16 who live or work at the premises while children are present. This could include your partner, cleaner, housemates, lodgers and children and there are associated costs.

6. Step 6:

   Download and complete a health declaration form from GOV.UK before you register with Ofsted. Once complete, you will need to get your GP to sign the form. There are associated costs.

7. Step 7:

   Ofsted registration can take up to 12 weeks from submitting your application and there are associated costs.

8. Step 8:

   The Introduction to Childminding Practice course will guide you through writing a Business Plan while you wait for your Ofsted registration visit.

   We can advise and guide you in many aspects of your new business including business structure, financial management, market demand for services. Once you are registered with Ofsted you will appear on the Livewell website so your new business is listed locally.

   We recommend contacting the Early Years Team as soon as possible to talk through your plans and get support. Email early_years@bathnes.gov.uk or telephone 01225 394042

9. Step 9:

   An Ofsted inspector will visit you to assess your knowledge of the EYFS and check your home is safe and suitable for childminding.

10. Step 10:

    You can start working as a childminder as soon as you receive your registration certificate from Ofsted.

    There are steps to take including registering as a self-employed person with HMRC, offering the Government’s Early Years Entitlement funding, holding Public Liability Insurance for example, which are all covered in the Introduction to Childminding Practice course.

11. Step 11:

    Ofsted will return to inspect the quality of your business within 18 months of registering, so we encourage you to engage with the Early Years Team and our package of support to newly registering childminders.

    To find out more, email early_years@bathnes.gov.uk or telephone 01225 39 40 42.