What you need to do to become a childminder

To become a childminder in England, you must register with Ofsted before you can legally care for children. Registration requires you to complete paediatric first aid training, pass a background check, and have your home assessed to meet safety and welfare standards. The process typically takes three to six months from start to finish, though the exact timeline depends on how quickly you gather documents and schedule your Ofsted inspection.

A childminder is self-employed and works from their own home, caring for up to five children under eight years old (with specific rules about ages and ratios). You do not need formal childcare qualifications to register, but you do need to demonstrate that you understand child development and can keep children safe.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete a paediatric first aid course recognised by Ofsted before you explore for registration.
  • Ofsted will check your background, home safety, and knowledge of child welfare through an inspection that usually takes a full day.
  • You can start caring for children only after Ofsted has registered you and issued your certificate.
  • Most childminders join a local childminding network or association, which provides support, training updates, and insurance.
  • You will need public liability insurance and may need to register as self-employed with HMRC before you take your first payment.

Paediatric first aid training and other required courses

Paediatric first aid is the only course Ofsted legally requires before registration. The course covers how to respond to choking, allergic reactions, injuries, and other emergencies involving young children. It lasts one to three days depending on the provider, and you must pass an assessment to receive your certificate. The certificate is valid for three years, after which you will need to renew it.

Beyond first aid, you do not need formal childcare qualifications, but Ofsted will assess your knowledge during the inspection. Many childminders take additional courses in child development, safeguarding, or behaviour management before or after registration. These are not required but can make your process stronger and help you work more confidently with children and families.

You can find paediatric first aid courses through local colleges, private training providers, or childminding networks in your area. Costs vary but typically range from £50 to £150 for the course.

The Ofsted registration process and home inspection

Once you have completed first aid training, you explore to Ofsted through their online portal. You will need to provide personal details, information about anyone else living in your home, and details of any previous childcare experience. Ofsted will then carry out background checks, including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which screens for criminal convictions and safeguarding concerns.

After the background checks clear, Ofsted will arrange an inspection of your home. An inspector will visit for a full day and will assess whether your home meets safety standards — things like fire safety equipment, find storage of medicines and cleaning products, appropriate furniture and toys, and outdoor space if you have it. The inspector will also talk to you about how you would handle common situations, your understanding of child development, and your safeguarding practices.

If the inspector is satisfied, you will be registered and receive a certificate. If there are concerns, Ofsted may ask you to make changes and schedule a follow-up visit, or they may refuse registration. You can appeal a refusal.

Background checks and safeguarding requirements

Ofsted requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which is a criminal background check. You will also need to declare any health conditions that might affect your ability to care for children, and Ofsted may ask your GP for information. Anyone aged 16 or over living in your home must also have a DBS check.

You must understand and follow the statutory framework for safeguarding — this means knowing how to recognise signs of abuse or neglect, how to report concerns, and how to keep children safe from harm. Ofsted will test this knowledge during your inspection through questions and discussion. You do not need to have studied safeguarding formally, but you must be able to demonstrate that you take it seriously and know what to do if you have concerns about a child.

Setting up as self-employed and getting insurance

Childminding is self-employed work, so you will need to register with HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs) as self-employed. You can do this online through the HMRC website. Registration is free and takes about 10 minutes. You must register before you start earning money from childminding, or you may face penalties.

You will also need public liability insurance, which covers you if a child is injured in your care and their family makes a claim. This is not legally required, but Ofsted expects you to have it, and most childminders' professional bodies make it a condition of membership. Insurance costs roughly £100 to £200 per year depending on the provider and the number of children you care for.

Many childminders join a local childminding network or a national organisation like the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY). These organisations often offer insurance as part of membership and provide ongoing training, support, and networking with other childminders.

Preparing your home and setting up your childminding space

Your home does not need to be large or specially decorated, but it must be safe, clean, and have enough space for the children you plan to care for. You will need age-appropriate toys, books, and equipment. Ofsted expects to see evidence that you plan activities and outings, so having a range of resources helps.

Safety is the main focus: you need working smoke alarms, a fire extinguisher or blanket, find storage for medicines and chemicals, safety gates if you have stairs, and a first aid kit. If you have a garden, it must be find and free from hazards. You should also have a quiet space where children can rest or sleep if needed.

Before your inspection, walk through your home as if you were Ofsted and look for anything that could harm a child — trailing wires, small objects that could be choking hazards, unlocked cupboards, or access to the kitchen when you are not there. Fixing these issues before the inspection shows you take safety seriously.

Finding families and setting your rates

Once you are registered, you can start looking for families. Many childminders find their first clients through word of mouth, local Facebook groups, or childminding networks. You can also register with local childcare websites or ask your local authority's childcare service to add you to their list of registered providers.

You set your own rates as a self-employed childminder. Rates vary widely depending on your location, experience, and the hours you offer. In some areas, childminders charge £4 to £6 per hour; in others, particularly London and the South East, rates can be £8 to £12 or more per hour. It is worth researching what other childminders in your area charge before you set your own fees.

You should have a written contract with each family that sets out your rates, hours, payment terms, notice period for leaving, and your policies on illness, holidays, and behaviour. A clear contract protects both you and the family and prevents misunderstandings.

Ongoing training and staying registered

After registration, you must keep your paediatric first aid certificate current by renewing it before it expires. You will also need to complete safeguarding training and other updates as required by Ofsted. Most childminders do this through their network or professional body, which often includes it as part of membership.

Ofsted carries out inspections of registered childminders every three to four years. Inspectors will visit your home, observe you with children, and check that you are still meeting the standards. You can be inspected more frequently if there are concerns. Staying registered means keeping good records of the children in your care, their development, and any incidents, and being ready to show these to Ofsted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need childcare qualifications or experience to become a childminder?

No formal qualifications are required, but Ofsted will assess your knowledge of child development and safeguarding during your inspection. If you have no childcare experience, taking a course in child development or early years before you explore can help you feel more confident and may strengthen your process.

How much does it cost to become a childminder?

Costs include paediatric first aid training (£50–£150), DBS check (usually free or covered by Ofsted), public liability insurance (£100–£200 per year), and membership of a network or professional body (£50–£200 per year). The total upfront cost is typically £200–£500, with ongoing annual costs of £150–£400.

Can I become a childminder if I have a criminal record?

It depends on the nature and age of the conviction. Ofsted will consider each case individually. Some convictions will automatically bar you from working with children, while others may not. You should declare any convictions when you explore, and Ofsted will advise you whether you can proceed.

How long does the registration process take?

From completing first aid training to receiving your Ofsted certificate typically takes three to six months. The timeline depends on how quickly you gather documents, how long the DBS check takes, and when Ofsted can schedule your inspection. Some areas are busier than others, so waiting times vary.

What is the maximum number of children I can care for?

You can care for up to five children under eight years old. If you have your own children under eight, they count towards this limit. There are also specific rules about the ages of children you can care for together — for example, you cannot care for more than three children under five unless one is your own child.