If you plan to care for children aged under eight for more than two hours a day, you must register with Ofsted or a childminder agency,. Ofsted provides the quality standards which childminders and other childcare providers must comply with.
Before you register with Ofsted, you need to do the following:
- Get a criminal records check (enhanced DBS check). If you are working in your own home, anyone over 16 who lives with you will also need one. It usually takes up to six weeks but it can sometimes take longer. You will get a certificate in the post. There’s more information in this criminal records check guide.
- Fill in the health declaration form and get it signed by your GP. Your GP may charge for this.
- Complete a first aid qualification for people who work with children. You need to do a full pediatric first aid course if you will be working with children under five. Ask your local council or look online for courses in your area.
- Find out if you need any training. You don’t have to do a particular course, but if you’ll be looking after children under five you need to show Ofsted you can meet the requirements of the EYFS statutory framework. Organisations like the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY) or Childminding UK can also help.
Before you start childminding you should also make sure you have relevant childcare insurance and knowledge of local safeguarding procedures. Guidance is available on the PSCB website.