Childcare - Becoming a Childminder

Childminding is challenging, rewarding, important and enjoyable. It can fit into your lifestyle by enabling you to become your own boss of your own business. It allows you to work from your own home to provide care and learning opportunities for other people's children.

To become a childminder you MUST:

• be registered by Ofsted
• be over 18 years old
• attend the 'Childminding - Is It For You?' session
• attend the Introducing Childminding Practice Course
• complete a babies and young children First Aid Course
• meet the required 14 National Standards for Childminding
• have checks made on yourself and anyone over the age of 16 living at the same address
• be registered to mind up to six children, including your own under eight year olds depending on size of your house.

If you become a registered childminder, you will be offered:

• a start-up grant package worth between £300-£600 to help with costs of setting up new childminding business depending on the area in which you live
• advice and support from Barnsley Choices Development Team
• support through the Childminding Is It For You information session, the mandatory Introducing Childminding Practice course and support through the application process
• information from a support childminder through the mentoring scheme
• training opportunities
• career development opportunities including a chance to join a childminding network, achieve quality assurance status, the certificate in childminding practice qualification, and possible progression to NVQ qualification at level 3
• flexibility - you can combine your home life and work to suit your own needs.

Families using registered childminders may also be entitled to working tax credit.

Charges/Fees

Childminders set their own charges and fees for their service and receive payment directly from parents.

Opening Times/Locations

Times are agreed between the chilminder and the parent/carer.

Legislation

Registered childminders must adhere to the relevant Ofsted National Standards.

Helpline

Please contact Barnsley Choices on 01226 775977 or email them at info@barnsleychoices.co.uk for further details.  You can also call Childcare Information Service on 08000 345340 to request an information pack.

Application Form References

To get your application form you need to attend the 'Childminding - Is It For You?' session and the Introducing Childminding Practice course. To find out when the next sessions are running call Childcare Information Service on 08000 345340

Next Steps

If you are interested in becoming a childminder all you have to do is:

• request an information pack from Childcare Information Service
• attend the 'Childminding - Is It For You?' session
• attend the 'Introducing Childminding Practice' course
• apply to OfSTED, which could take up to 12 weeks for your application to be processed and relevant checks carried out

Out of Hours Procedure

Childcare Information Service helpline is open:

Monday and Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday and Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

There is an answerphone service in operation outside of the above hours.

Additional Notes

Benefits / Eligibility

As a registered childminder, you may be able to claim help towards your rent and/or Council Tax.You would be treated as self employed and any benefit would only be calculated on approximately one third of your earnings. If you require any further information please contact the Inland Revenue on 0845 9000 444

Accounts

You would be responsible for keeping your own records of income and expenditure. Support is available from Barnsley Choices and the Inland Revenue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the cost of setting up put you off?
There has never been a better time to register. As part of the National Childcare Strategy, the Early Years department can support you with the Childminder Start-up Grant (described below).

How much is the grant?
The Childminder Start up Grant package could give you up to £300 of equipment and £300 worth of help towards the cost of setting up a new childminding business. This depends on the area in which you live.

How do I apply for the grant?
Contact the Children's information Service on 08000 345340 to enquire about the next childminding information session. 

What if I'm claiming benefits?
If you are claiming benefits then childminding could be an ideal career move for you. Only 1/3 of your earnings as a registered childminder are taken into account when calculating your benefits. For more information call the Benefits Advice line on 01226 775656.

Who are we looking for?
More and more parents are looking for good quality childcare. Barnsley Choices want to encourage childminding in areas where there are gaps in childcare provision. They also want to recruit people from under represented groups such as:

• men
• people over 40 years
• people from minority ethnic communities
• people with disabilities.

It is essential that as a potential childminder you consider the flexible hours that you will need to offer to meet the needs of families using your service.

Related Links:

• National Childminding Association for England and Wales
• Barnsley Choices
• Child Care Information Service
• Inland Revenue