Schools, education and childcare Becoming a childminder

What is childminding?

Childminding is when one to three people look after children in a home (usually the home of one of the childminders) for more than two hours in any one day for a reward. The reward is usually money, but can include goods or care arrangements in return.

There are two types of childminder:

  • early years childminder: who care for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday. These childminders are registered on the Early Years Register.
  • later years childminder: who care for children over the age of five. They are registered on the compulsory and/or voluntary part of the Childcare Register.  

You can be both types by registering on both registers.

All childminders caring for children under eight must be registered by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted). If you care for any children under eight as an unregistered childminder for more than two hours, you can be prosecuted.

Ofsted

Ofsted makes sure childminders and people over 16 years who live and work on the premises, are suitable to care for children and that childminders' homes are safe, child-friendly places.

Ofsted is responsible for registering and inspecting childminders to make sure that early years childminders are able to meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)?

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a tool we use to set the standards for learning, development and care for children from birth to five.

The EYFS document contains information about the duty placed on providers to comply with the statutory learning and development requirements, assessment, safeguarding and welfare requirements for all children up to 31 August following their fifth birthday.

Before you can be registered on the Early Years Register you will need to demonstrate to Ofsted how you will meet these statutory requirements and how you will promote good outcomes for children.  This will be covered in more detail in your local authority approved training course.

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