Becoming a childminder
If you are interested in becoming a childminder, we have a dedicated and experienced team who can help you to achieve your ambition.
Find out more about the support we offer and where to find advice about the business side of childminding.
Thinking about becoming a childminder?
There's a lot to consider before deciding to register as a childminder. Setting up your own childcare business can be both exciting and rewarding but it also comes with important decisions to think about before your apply.
Before you get started, ask yourself:
Would you enjoy working from home?
Are you enthusiastic, energetic and passionate about supporting children's individual needs, learning and development?
Do you enjoy spending time with children?
How would you organise your home to ensure it is safe, welcoming and well-resourced for children?
How will childminding fit into your own home life and daily routines?
You can register as a childminder with Ofsted, or choose to register through a Childminding Agency. Childminders can register to work from their own home (domestic premises) or from premises outside the home as a childminder without domestic premises.
If you would like more information, or want to explore whether childminding is the right career for you, why not request to watch our virtual pre-registration briefing session? There are no fixed dates or times for this recorded briefing, so you can watch it at any time that suits you – helping you to make the right choice with confidence.
Pre-registration briefing sessions
Our virtual, pre-recorded pre-registration briefing session guides you through the process of registering with Ofsted as a childminder. After completing the session, you will have the option to book one of our support packages to help ensure you have the knowledge, confidence and understanding needed to become a childminder - we've got you covered!
There is no charge to access the briefing. To request access, simply email earlyyearscentre@lancashire.gov.uk with your full name, address and telephone number. You will also have the opportunity to arrange an informal chat with a member of our team who will be happy to answer any questions and offer guidance.
Childminding pre-registration support packages
Once you have watched the briefing, you may decide to purchase a package of support to help you register as a childminder. The packages have been designed for you to choose the level of support that you require.
This support package is ideal if you are an experienced early years practitioner with a good understanding of the early years foundation stage statutory framework (GOV.UK) requirements. It includes:
Pre-registration support visit
For those living within the areas of Lancashire County Council (excluding Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool), one of our experienced Senior Early Education Improvement Partners (SEEIP) will visit your home to help ensure your environment is safe, suitable and ready for registration. The visit will also help prepare you for your Ofsted registration interview by checking your knowledge and understanding of childminding registration requirements.
Childminder membership
The package includes ongoing support for those living within areas of Lancashire County Council (excluding Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool) by a named Early Education Improvement Partner (EEIP) once you are registered. As part of the childminder membership you will receive the childminder portfolio with guidance documents, factsheets and policy and procedure templates.
Childminder registration e-learning package
Ideal for those who are new to working with young children, our comprehensive childminder registration e-learning package will give you the knowledge, confidence and support you need to successfully register with Ofsted and set up your childminding business.
You will receive a complete package combining e-learning training and personalised support to guide you through the registration process and beyond, helping you feel confident, prepared and ready to take on your new role as a registered childminder.
What is included?
Flexible online learning through our 'becoming a childminder' e-learning
Study from your own home and work through the course at your own pace, fitting learning around your existing commitments. The course includes approximately 15 hours of learning, which you can complete at a time and pace that suits you.
Step-by-step guidance to support your Ofsted registration
The e-learning covers the key knowledge and practical requirements needed to become a registered childminder. It supports you to understand the early years foundation stage statutory framework (GOV.UK) requirements for childminders including:
promoting children's learning and development
planning engaging activities
making your home safe and suitable for children
writing policies and procedures
understanding and supporting children's behaviour
supporting children's health and wellbeing
risk assessment and safeguarding
building positive partnerships with parents
Pre-registration support visit
For those living within the areas of Lancashire County Council, one of our experienced Senior Early Education Improvement Partners (SEEIP) will visit your home to help ensure your environment is safe, suitable and ready for registration. The visit will also help prepare you for your Ofsted registration interview by checking your knowledge and understanding of childminding registration requirements.
Childminder membership
The e-learning package includes ongoing support for those living within areas of Lancashire County Council (excluding Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool) by a named Early Education Improvement Partner (EEIP) once you are registered.
Take the first step towards becoming a registered childminder in Lancashire today.
Book a childminder pre-registration package
For further information or advice, contact the Early Years Team at:
Business side of childminding
We have produced a 'Childminder business handbook' available to purchase, packed with practical advice and essential information to help you run a successful childminding business. See publications for sale to buy your copy.
As childminders are self-employed, you will also need to understand what is involved in working for yourself. The government guidance set up as self-employed (a 'sole trader') on GOV.UK outlines what you need to do when you start, including how to register for self-assessment with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
The HMRC Business Income Manual on GOV.UK provides guidance on how childminders can calculate allowable expenses to offset against their tax bill.
Additional information and support is available from HM Revenue and Customs on GOV.UK including:
self-assessment guidance and key deadlines
record keeping requirements (including free webinars)
information on allowable business expenses
A ready reckoner on GOV.UK is available and can also help you estimate and budget for your tax bill.
Business Smart
The government has funded PACEY to create business support and tools free to childminders and these can be found at Business Smart. Although most are free, some are only available to PACEY members.
Best Start in Life
Best Start in Life is a government website that helps families check what childcare funding and support they can access and how to apply.
Contact us
To access the free briefing session, or for further information please contact the Early Years Team:
Email: earlyyearscentre@lancashire.gov.uk
Tel: 01772 539 058