Childminder

A childminder is self-employed and runs their own business. They  look after one or more children under the age of eight for more than a total of 2 hours a day for reward.

Most childminders looking after children under the age of 8 must register with Ofsted or a childminder agency.

Most childcare providers looking after children under the age of 8 must register with Ofsted. Childminders can choose to register with a childminder agency instead.  Childminder agencies register childminders and give training, business support, advice and help finding suitable parent

• Further information about childminder agencies
• List and contact details of all childminder agencies in England 
• Childminder agencies currently operating in Leicester

There are two Ofsted registers: The Early Years Register and the Childcare Register.

• You must register on the Early Years Register to look after children from birth up to the 31 August after their fifth birthday.
• You must register on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register to look after children aged 5 to 7.
• You must register on both registers to look after children of all ages.
• You can register on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register to look after children over 8 or to look after children in their own home.
  • Useful links to relevant Ofsted documents:
    • Registrations exemptions
    • The Ofsted registers

Before you can register as a childminder you will also need to:

• Complete training that enables you to understand and implement the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)- If registering on the Early Years Register.
• Complete a 12-hour paediatric first aid course.
• Fill in a health declaration form and get it signed by your GP- the health check only applies to those on the early years register.
• Obtain a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) enhanced check
• Ofsted Registration for childminders - What you need to know if you want to be a childminder

If you intend to register as a childminder in Leicester, you will need to submit an start a childcare business enquiry form.  The EED team can provide help with the Ofsted registration process and can offer pre-registration visits to your home to:

• Explain the requirements and process of registering as a childminder
• Discuss training needs and signpost to relevant training courses
• Inform you of the process of applying to Ofsted to register as a childminder 
• Help you to carry out risk assessments and make the home environment safe for young children
• Support you throughout the registration process
• Offer business support

If you reside outside of the city, please refer to Leicestershire County Council's information

• Ofsted Childcare Registration Facebook page
• Childcare on non-domestic premises
• Becoming a childminder and running your business - step by step guidance with further links to information including Becoming a childminder, DBS checks and EYFS.
• Childminders and childcare providers - guidance for registering with Ofsted
• Apply for a childminder start-up grant - eligible new childminders can apply for a start-up grant to recover the costs of registering as a childminder.
• Business smart - PACEY
• Childminder pre-registration online briefing - PACEY (fee payable)