Become a childminder

Find out what you need to do to become a childminder.

Steps to registering as a childminder

1. Step 1:

   Please contact our childminding team to discuss if this is the career for you. For more information email early_years@bathnes.gov.uk or telephone 01225 394042.

2. Step 2:

   Read the pre-registration briefing document on GOV.UK to find out what you need to know to become a childminder. You also need to read the early years foundation stage statutory framework (EYFS) on GOV.UK about setting the standards for the learning, development and care of children under five years old.

3. Step 3:

   If you don't have any early years qualifications, you will need to carry out other childminding training.

   You can contact the early years team for information about the Introduction to Childminding course, which you can access at any time online, together with tutor support.

   The course covers the information required by Ofsted for registration. Find out more about the Introduction to Childminding course by searching on our training website, The Hub.

   Our childminding team offer a package of support to newly registering childminders. To find out more, email early_years@bathnes.gov.uk or telephone 01225 394042.

4. Step 4:

   Book on to a 12 hour Paediatric First Aid course on our training website, The Hub. The course costs £70 if you're a member, and £87.50 if you're a non-member.

5. Step 5:

   Apply for a criminal records check, also known as a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, on GOV.UK, for yourself and anyone in your home over 16 years old. This costs £52.10 and can take up to six weeks.

6. Step 6:

   Download and complete a health declaration form from GOV.UK before you register with Ofsted. Once complete, you will need to get your GP to sign the form.

7. Step 7:

   Registration can take up to 12 weeks from submitting your application.

8. Step 8:

   Arrange a visit from the childminding team for advice and support for the ofsted registration visit. Email early_years@bathnes.gov.uk or telephone 01225 394042

9. Step 9:

   An Ofsted inspector will visit you to assess your knowledge of the EYFS and check your home is safe and suitable for childminding.

10. Step 10:

    1. Our Live Well B&NES team will contact you once you are registered to support you to market your business.

11. Step 11:

    You can start working as a childminder as soon as you receive your registration certificate.

Other things to consider

We recommend you carry out some research in your area. For example, what other childcare is available where you live, and do these other childminders have spaces? Search for other providers on our Live Well B&NES website

As a childminder you are self-employed and so you need to register as self-employed on GOV.UK.