Childminding

What is childminding?

Registered childminders are professional childcarers who work in their own homes to provide care and education for other people’s children. They are registered and inspected by OFSTED. There are currently approximately 250 childminders registered in the city of York.

Registered childminders are self employed and are responsible for their own tax and National Insurance. They are not “employed” by parents but negotiate a contract for their service for which they charge a fee. It is important to remember that all childminders need to have an inclusion policy that ensures that every child’s needs are met.

Who can work as a childminder?

A childminder can be male or female. The minimum age is 18 with no upper age limit as long as the physical aspects of the role can be met.

Why should I consider becoming a childminder?

Childminding is a rewarding career, and provides opportunities for developing new skills and qualifications.

Childminding provides you with the opportunity to:

• Contribute to children’s development and learning
• Run your own business
• Work from home
• Provide a valuable service for your local community
• Develop new skills and qualifications

How do I become a registered childminder?

You are required by law to be registered with OFSTED if you propose to offer a childcare service in your own home, for more that 2 hours per day for children aged under 8 years.

The OFSTED registration process is wide ranging, rigorous and involves character or employment references, training and a health check. Criminal records checks are required for the prospective childminder and every adult over the age of 16 living in the home. Your home is also inspected to ensure it provides a safe and suitable environment for children.

Following registration OFSTED will carry out a regular inspection of your childcare service to monitor standards of care and premises.

How long does the registration process take?

The time can and does vary, but the entire process should not normally take longer than 3 months from the date your completed application form is received by OFSTED.

Do I need to have any particular qualifications?

Childminders must complete the first module of the Diploma in Home Based Childcare and hold a paediatric first aid certificate.

How many children will I be registered to care for?

A childminder can care for a maximum of 6 children under 8 years of age, including their own children. This is however dependant upon the size of rooms in the registered location.

How do I become a childminder?

If you think childminding could be for you then see our childminding page to find out how you can become a childminder and what support is available.