Manchester City Council

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. During the briefing, you will receive information regarding access to Stockport Council's Childminding course, including dates of registration and requirements
  3. Complete Ofsted's application pack online
  4. complete an approved 12-hour Paediatric Fist Aid course and DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) course prior to registration

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.