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 160 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.

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 childminder?

It is a big decision to become a childminder so it is important you have all the facts and make an informed decision. To help you to do this:

• Watch our online videos which give you an introduction to childminding, requirements for childminding and information on costs.
• Read through the "Helpful Information Section" below.
• Book onto a free information session. Dates for upcoming information sessions are shown in the form at the bottom of this page. All session will currently be run online via zoom, so to register an interest fill in the form at the bottom of this page. Alternatively for more information contact EYCqualityimprovement@york.gov.uk.
• Prospective childminders also need to complete an initial childminder training course before registering with Ofsted. This can be undertaken online, or face-to-face through York Learning, with the possibility of substantial savings to be had (dependant on numbers). Please contact YorkFIS for more information.

Helpful information

We have also put together helpful information for you to decide if you want to become a childminder and to help you plan.

What skills are required?

See what skills are required by childminders, and view a sample job description

Frequently Asked Questions

For answers to common questions see becoming a childminder: frequently asked questions

Setting up a business

You should research the business case for becoming a childminder in your locality.

• To help you make an informed decision we have provided some information to assist you assess demand, and view typical childcare costs by locality
• The HMRC have produced an online elearning package for childminders. It explains and guides you through everything you need to know to get started.There are some useful tips from others who have been where you are now, just starting and needing some help.You can work through the course at your own pace and at a time that suits you best. It takes some people between 1 and 2 hours to complete, but you don't need to do it all in one go. You can dip in and out as often as you like.
• HMRC have also created a number of short YouTube videos, host webinars and have a ready reckoner.
• Software companies have developed apps for record keeping.

Local support

The Quality Improvement team can offer support and advice pre registration.

Local training providers

View a list of local training providers who offer childcare related qualifications

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