Setting up as a childminder

As a registered childminder you will:

• be able to care for your own children at the same time (if you have a family)
• offer the children you care for a happy and stimulating environment
• provide early learning and childcare and see children develop
• work in your home, choosing the hours you work and the services you provide

If you are interested in setting up as a childminder you should contact the Family Information Service.

Trio Childcare Connections run childminder pre-registration briefing sessions that you will need to attend to learn more about becoming a childminder. Information on briefing sessions being held in Plymouth can be found on the Trio website.

Before you can start working as a childminder you will need to register with Ofsted. Ofsted is responsible for the regulation of childcare provisions in England. You will need to register with Ofsted, on the Early Years Register, Childcare Register or both.

Further information on the Ofsted Early Years Register,and Compulsory and Voluntary parts of the Childcare Register can be found on the Ofsted registers page.

The Trio Childcare Connections team will be able to offer advice and support with:

• the Ofsted registers and application process
• ensuring that you will meet the necessary requirements and regulations
• the Early Years Foundation Stage framework
• all aspects of health, safety and risk assessment
• training
• policies and procedures

To register with Ofsted you will need to complete and return an Ofsted application pack. Ofsted will then give you information on how to apply for a Criminal Records Bureau disclosure for yourself and anyone else in your home aged over 16. This registration process can take up to three months.

Following receipt of your application, Ofsted will contact you to arrange for an inspector to visit your home. They will need to make sure that you are suitable to care for children and that your home is safe and child-friendly.

You will also need to attend a CYPOP 5 course which is run by a range of providers and a 12 hour pediatric first-aid course before you start minding children.

Once you receive your registration certificate and have all necessary paperwork and training in place you can start work as a registered childminder.

For information regarding potential funding available to help you set up your childminding business you can contact the Business Support Team on 01752 856724 or email jrule@routeways.org.uk.

Once you are registered as a childminder you will be entitled to annual support from the Trio Childcare Connections team.

Guidance and forms about registration and Ofsted requirements can be found on the Ofsted guidance pages.

For further information and advice or for an application pack please contact the Family Information Service.

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