• Most Boroughs organise a pre-registration briefing session. These can be  held evenings, daytime or even weekends. The presentations will cover the registration and inspection process and the support available to you. You will receive a copy of the National Standards and Guidance books from Ofsted and a pack of information.
• Discuss with other members of your household the impact this may have on them. If any are over 16 discuss if they have any previous convictions that may affect the registration.
• Read through the National Standards and Guidance Documents.
• Complete a pre-registration course. This is normally the NCMA/CACHE  ‘Introduction to Childcare practice (Home-based)’ ICP. Most pre registration courses are 12-14 hours long and are often available daytime, evenings and weekends.
• Complete a 12 hour Infant and Child resuscitation Course. It is important that you book this through your Borough to ensure the course meets Ofsted requirements.
• You may be able to attend additional training such as workshops on Meeting the National Standards and Policies and Portfolios
• Complete application form and send to Ofsted
• Complete Medical Declaration and take to GP for confirmation
• Complete CRB checks for yourself and anyone in the household who is 16 years and older, and await inspection visit
• Prepare home for Inspection visit
• Inspection by Ofsted
• Request Start up Grant Funding (Some boroughs offer a grant whilst others offer free training.)
• Receive CRB Clearances
• Receive Certificate of registration from Ofsted
• Contact Children’s Information Service to advertise vacancies
• Contact Inland Revenue to advise them you are now self employed

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 valuable 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 Early Years Education, which enables you to offer 15 hours of free early years education per week for three and four year olds commencing the term after their third birthday.

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

Costs can vary, please contact the local National Childminding Association on 01256 300712.