Schools, education and childcare Becoming a childminder

What to do next if you want to become a childminder

To become a childminder, you need to:

  1. attend our briefing session. To apply for a place on a session, contact childminding@manchester.gov.uk
  2. at the briefing, you will be asked to book on an English and Maths assessment at Manchester College
  3. you will need to pass the Maths and English assessment to the required standard
  4. if you reach the required standard, you will be invited to attend and complete the local authority approved training course which takes six weeks (with a final assessment), this course helps you understand and implement the EYFS before you can register with Ofsted
  5. pass the final assessment and portfolio session
  6. complete Ofsted's application pack online
  7. complete a local authority approved paediatric first-aid course prior to registration   

No matter what level of childcare qualification you hold, you must still complete the Maths and English assessment and local authority training course.

How long it takes to become registered

It usually takes around three months from the date Ofsted receives your completed application but this can vary depending on circumstances.

What happens once you are registered

If you are on the Early Years register, an Ofsted childcare inspector will check the quality of your childminding at regular intervals. The inspector will write a graded report about your childminding and it will be published on Ofsted's website. The inspector will also check that you meet the requirements of the childcare register.

If you are only registered on the childcare register, Ofsted will carry out an inspection if a parent or other person has concerns about your service.  They will also select a number of providers at random.

You will not receive a report but a letter will be sent informing you if your provision meets requirements.

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