How to become a childminder
You can get into this job by:
- registering with a Childminder Agency
- registering with Ofsted
Other Routes
There are introduction to childminding briefings that cover everything you need to prepare to register as a childminder. Your local council can give you information on where to find one.
The aim is to make sure that you understand completely what is involved before making a decision about whether it's the right career for you.
More Information
Registration
If you want to care for children under 8 for more than 2 hours a day, you'll need to register with one of the following:
- Ofsted
- a Childminder Agency (CMA)
For this, you'll usually need:
- a home-based childcare course that covers the Early Years Foundation Stage framework
- a paediatric first aid course
- child protection training
- a food safety qualification
You may have to do a basic skills test to show that you have the minimum standard of English and maths needed to support the educational development of children in your care. You'll also need to pass an assessment of your home and any equipment you will use.
Childminder agencies can provide pre-registration training to become a childminder. They also have information on registering and further training once you are a registered childminder.
Your first step is to look at Ofsted's pre-registration briefing on becoming a childminder or contact a Childminder Agency (CMA).
Career tips
It's a good idea to do some research where you live to find out if there is a demand for childminders in your local area.
You may need to budget to pay for courses, including first aid, health and safety, and safeguarding. There is a fee for registering with Ofsted or a Childminding Agency and you may need to pay for a medical check.
As you'll be self-employed, you might find it useful to learn more about your responsibilities for tax and taking out insurance. You can get advice about this from GOV.UK.
Further information
You'll find more advice on careers, courses and registration from:
- Foundation Years
- Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years
- Early Years Alliance
- OFCMA - the Organisation for Childminder Agencies
You can also learn more about childcare training routes on the early years career progression map.