How to register as a childminder
Childminding is not something to enter into without very careful consideration and preparation. In order to become a registered childminder there are a number of steps you will need to take. The whole registration and training process can take between 3 - 6 months.
If you want to become a registered childminder, this is what needs to happen:
Suitable Person checks
• You and anyone over 16 years of age who lives or works regularly in your home have to have an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) disclosure. Your CRB forms will be sent to you after Ofsted receive your application
• You have to get a GP Health Declaration to say that you are medically fit to work with children (your GP may charge for this)
• You have to provide two personal references. One should be your current employer and one should be from a person who knows how you interact with children
Compulsory Training Required
• You need to complete a 12 hour paediatric first aid course before registration
• You have to complete up to 30 hours Common Induction Standards Training dependant on any previous training or qualifications held. This needs to be completed before you have been registered for 24 weeks. (Further training is provided by both NCA and the County Council to enable you to develop your childminding business after registration)
The Process of registration:
• You will attend a 2 hour pre-registration information session
• Then you return a short application form to the Workforce Development Team at the County Council (who book your training) with evidence that you have English and Maths at GCSE level or equivalent. If you don’t have these, it doesn’t stop you applying but you will need to undertake further training.
• You should order your copy of the Early Years Foundation Stage from DCSF on 0845 60222 60.
• You will then attend a 2 hour Ofsted Enrolment session where Ofsted Application forms will be given out.
• Enrol on a 12-hour paediatric first aid course which needs completing before registration with Ofsted is granted
• Send off Ofsted Application forms, including Health Declaration form (allow 13 weeks for the registration process from Ofsted’s receipt of application forms) You may prefer to complete or start your Common Induction Standards training before applying to Ofsted.
• The Workforce Development Team will call you to book you onto the Common Induction Standards Training, which needs to be completed within 24 weeks of your registration with Ofsted
• You will receive a pre-registration visit from an Ofsted Inspector (this visit will be pre-arranged with you for a convenient time)
• You then wait for security checks and references to be done
• You will receive your Ofsted Registration Certificate
• You can then start advertising your childminding business
• Your local NCA Development Worker will contact you to offer help and support
For information about dates of pre-registration sessions across the county, please contact the Workforce Development Team at the County Council on 01604 655077 o 01604 655078.
For more information about the procedure for registering as a childminder please contact the County Council Early Years and Childcare Workforce Development Team Tel. 01604 655077 or 01604 655078
or Northamptonshire Childminding Association General Enquiry Line on 0845 838 3724