Becoming a childminder

A childminder provides childcare for children in their own home for more than two hours a day and charges a fee (which can include Tax-Free Childcare or Early Education Funding) or receives some other form of reward.

Childminding requires a considerable time commitment. You will not only work directly with children during your hours of operation but will need to set aside time to complete paperwork, accounts information and training.

• Check if you need planning permission and agreement from your landlord to run a childminding business from your home
• Think about the hours you will work (weekdays, evenings, weekends)
• Will you offer school drop-offs/pickups and if so where from?
• The impact on your home and family life of operating a business from your own home
• Do you have any specialist knowledge that will appeal to families e.g. experience of working with children with special educational needs and disabilities or being able to speak languages other than English
• Start-up costs for Ofsted registration, insurance, training, resources
• Timescales – it can take up to 12 weeks to complete the Ofsted childminder registration process.
• Download our information booklet here
• View HMRC’s online guide if you are self employed
• Use the self-employed ready reckoner to budget for your Self Assessment tax bill
• Visit HMRC’s online customer forum to get help from experts

The council has a video about registering and working as a childminder. The video will give you an insight into childminding and the Ofsted registration process involved with becoming a childminder.

You can view the Ofsted guidance here

Childminders must be registered with Ofsted if they plan to care for children aged under eight for more than two hours a day. Ofsted provides the quality standards which childminders and other childcare providers must comply with.

Before you register 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.

The quality and sufficiency team offer up to five hours of fully funded new provider support per provider.

This can be used in a variety of ways including:

• Attendance at the Childminder Recruitment Event

• Advice and support via telephone/email: eydelivery@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
• Visit to you to discuss planning your business, early years funding processes, size and suitability of premises, resources and routines, policies and procedures, safeguarding and safer recruitment.

You will also need to do your own reading and learning to prepare for registration and launching your business. The following list provides a range of materials we recommend that you read thoroughly and understand as part of your role:

• Statutory Framework For The Early Years Foundation Stage
• Early Years Foundation Stage supporting materials
• Ofsted – Early Years Inspection Handbook
• Ofsted – Early Years and Childcare Registration Handbook
• Working Together To Safeguard Children
• Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Board
• Prevent Duty Guidance for England and Wales
• Health and Safety Executive
• Food Standards Agency
• Early Education Funding

While the majority of new providers find five hours of support offers them everything they need, some find they want more time which can be purchased via our network services offer if required.