Is Childminding the job for me?

Childminding is a very flexible career that suits many different life styles. As you will be your own boss you can organise your work to suit both your own family and the families that you work with.

Even though you work from your own home, you still have the opportunity to see other people, from the families themselves to members of your local childminding group. There is even a National Childminding Association, which has plenty of invaluable advice and support to offer.

Childminding is a professional career and provides plenty of scope for development if you want it - from working towards nationally recognised qualifications to offering Community Childminding placements .

You can also gain accreditation to offer Nursery School Education, which enables you to draw down the Government grant.

Will It Cost Me A Lot Of Money To Get Started?

Childminder set-up grants are available. The grants, which are administered by Early Years Development and Childcare Partnerships (EYDCPs) are aimed at helping new childminders with the cost of setting up their childminding business.

Where Do I Begin?

In England, before you can start to care for children under eight, you need to be registered with Ofsted.

How Do I Become A Registered Child Minder?

You will need to go to a childminding pre-registration briefing session, which tells you about becoming a childminder. Find out when the next session is by contacting your local Early Education and Childcare Unit (contact details below).