Becoming a childminder

If you are paid or rewarded to look after one or more children under the age of eight, for more than a total of two hours a day in a domestic setting (normally your own home) then you must register as a childminder with Ofsted or a childminder agency. There is a separate Early Years Register if you are looking after children under five.

Childminders:

• must be 18 years or older
• are usually self-employed
• can work with other childminders and assistants
• can spend up to 50% of their time running childcare from non-domestic premises

Read our guidance for potential childminders to see if you would like to apply.

To apply to register with a childminder agency, you need to follow instructions on the individual agency website. You can find a list of these on the gov.uk website.

To apply to be an Ofsted registered childminder, you need to:

• complete a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check for yourself and anyone aged 16 or over who is regularly in your home
• fill in Ofsted’s health declaration booklet
• complete training which helps you to understand and implement the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
• complete paediatric first aid training
• give details of two referees
• have suitable premises and equipment for looking after children

You may also need to meet other requirements once you are running your business such as:

• fire safety 
• planning permission and building control
• data protection

When you have registered as a childminder, you can advertise your services on our online directory. 

If you have any questions or would like to find out more about becoming a childminder, please email the Early Years team giving your contact number for us to call you.

You can find out more about the government funded childcare entitlement on our understanding childcare pages.