Becoming a Childminder
Before Registration
There are many points you must consider before applying to become a registered Childminder. You need to consider the impact childminding will have on yourself, your partner and any other children in your home. You need to consider the change in routine, extra noise and how other children may react to having to share their home, toys and you.
Would you enjoy being with young children during much of the week, do you have experience in caring for young children?
Extra children can mean additional wear and tear on furniture and toys, childminders can not worry unduly about mess and clutter.
Equipment such as toys, a cot, pushchair and a stairguard may also be necessary. Childminders must provide multicultural toys, books and an attitude which reflects the variety of cultures within our society, meeting any specific needs regarding religious persuasion, culture or linguistic background.
Registration
All people looking after children under eight years of age that are not the parents or a close relative, for a reward must register with Ofsted.
The penalties for illegal childminding are a substantial fine, imprisonment or both.
When you apply for registration a Childcare Inspector will discuss with you how you intend to provide a childcare service, the suitability of people who care for the children will be checked and the premises where the children will be cared for. You will have to complete a medical record form, and the Health Authority must satisfy itself that you are physically and mentally fit to be registered as a childminder. All members of the household over the age of 16 must have a police check, and convictions and there relevance will be considered. The names and addresses of two referees will be required, they can not be family members or parents proposing to place children in your care.
If you do not own your own home you may need to get permission from, the owner of the property, e.g, your landlord or local authority housing department.
You can be registered for up to six children under eight, though not more then three of these should be under five, these numbers include your own children. The number of children you are registered for will be written on your certificate. Having more children in your care then you are registered for, could result in a cancellation of your certificate.
Application procedure
First contact the CIS (Children's Information Service). If you are in Bedfordshire the number is 01234 228229. Numbers for other areas can be found at www.childcarelink.gov.uk, or you can phone the CIS on freephone 08000 96 02 96 and they will give you details of your local branch. They will send you Ofsted's book about childminding, Is Childminding For You, and an information sheet on the CIS and the services they offer. You will also get a letter from NCMA informing you about pre registration information sessions and the dates they are held, together with a reply slip. (These meetings are held at varying locations across the county). You must return your reply slip to NCMA booking your place on a pre-registration meeting.
At the pre-registration meeting you will be given an application form, which they will go through with you. You will get Information on Ofsted and the requirements from them you must comply with as a childminder. Also a start-up grant application form, which may help you with purchasing necessary equipment. You will also receive an invitation to an ICP (Introducing Childminding Practice) course, that is a compulsory part of your registration.
Once you have completed your application form, police, health and home safety forms, you should send them to Ofsted, this will start the registration procedure.
You will attend a six week childminder induction course, one evening or morning a week. (this is the ICP)
Next you will receive your first home visit by Ofsted to review your home and garden safety. This is a good time to fill in your start-up grant form.
The second visit by Ofsted will ensure everything meets the requirements. Then you are a registered childminder.
After Registration
Registered Childminders must keep records regarding the children in their care. These should include:
- Childs name
- Home address and telephone number
- Name of guardian/carer
- Childs date of birth
- Parent/carers place of employment and telephone number
- General practitioners name, address and telephone number
- A record of accidents or injuries
- Medication records
- A daily attendance register
Childminders should also have written contracts with the parents of minded children regarding hours and costs etc. The NCMA produce a contract registered childminders can use.
You must also obtain public liability insurance cover incase of an accident while you are caring for other peoples children. You must also check to see whether you need to pay income tax or national insurance, these both depend on the amount of profit you make over a specific sum.
