Becoming a childminder

If you are interested in becoming a childminder, find out what you need to do.

Registered childminders

• look after one or more children under the age of 8 for more than a total of two hours a day in their own home for payment
• are inspected by Ofsted to ensure they provide a safe and stimulating environment for the children that they care for
• are usually self-employed and run their own business.

What happens next?

If your application is successful you will be invited to a pre-registration briefing session where you will find out more information on:

• Ofsted - the government department responsible for registering and inspecting childminders in England
• applying to register as a childminder on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register
• self employment

Training

After you have attended the briefing session, you will need to apply and complete the Level 3 Award in Preparing to Work in Home Based Childcare. If you already hold a relevant level 3 qualification you may not need to complete the training. However, you should still contact CFIS@brent.gov.uk so that we can provide support and advice before you submit an application to Ofsted

The course is delivered by Brent Childcare Development & Business Support Officers in a face-to-face setting in online and face to face sessions.

The price of the tutor-led course includes VAT and all registration and assessment charges:

• £150 for Brent residents (support is available for Brent residents facing financial hardship)
• £300 for non Brent residents.

Note, you will need to book and attend a separate first aid course and fees apply.