Contents
Becoming a childminder
Becoming an Ofsted registered childminder
A childminder is a person who receives payment for working in a domestic dwelling. They look after at least one child for more than 2 hours a day. Childminders can also work some of their time from approved non-domestic premises if they choose to do so.
A Childminder without domestic premises is a person who receives payment for working on non-domestic premises, such as a church hall. They are not permitted to work from any domestic dwelling at any time.
Registering as a childminder with Ofsted
GOV.UK has a useful guide to registering as a childminder
Your first step towards becoming an Ofsted registered childminder in Merton is to read about the steps you need to take in detail. The guide above will tell you all about:
- registering with Ofsted
- legal requirements of the Childminder Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework
- being self-employed
- training required
Registration requirements
There are a number of things you must do before you register with Ofsted. Once you have covered these you can Register as a childminder (GOV.UK)
- Paediatric First Aid training. Below are some course providers, but you can choose any provider of this training.
- Tiger Lily Training www.tigerlilytraining.co.uk
- Surrey First Aid Training www.surreyfirstaid.com
- St Johns Ambulance www.sja.org.uk
- Introductory Childminding Training
London Borough of Merton runs an Introduction to Childcare Practice (ICP) Course. The cost of the Merton ICP course is £128.75, payable in advance of the course date. Please email fsd@merton.gov.uk to book.
- Complete a health declaration
- Have a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework
- Make sure your premises are safe – conduct a risk assessment of your home. For information and advice about fire safety, please visit Fire safety in the home
- You and any other adults living or working in your home will be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check as part of the Ofsted registration process
Ofsted Registration visit
Ofsted will arrange to visit you in your home.
Registration complete
Ofsted will send you a registration certificate if they are satisfied that you are suitable to be a childminder. They will notify London Borough of Merton of your registration. You will then receive an email from our provider team to tell you about early education funding and advertising your service on the Family Services Directory and training and professional development.
Once you are registered, you can find ongoing support, information, training and networking opportunities in the Support for Childcare Providers section of this website.
Visit our Setting up childminding page for information about things you will need to arrange before you start caring for children, including insurance, policies and procedures and for a quick guide to toys and equipment that you might need.
Useful Websites
- The Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY) Website has a childminding section containing information about what childminders do, how much it could cost to register and working with other childminders: PACEY - Working in Childcare - Childminders
- Department of Education Help for Early Years Providers
- Tiney Happy People
Contact details
Early Years, Childcare and Children's Centre Service
10th Floor, Civic Centre
London Road
Morden
SM4 5DX