Childminder Guides > Setting up your childminding business
 

Setting up your childminding business

Introduction

When you set up your childminding business there are a number of steps you need to follow to make sure you have done everything you need to do to be legal and qualified to work with young children.

This information is based upon the requirements for English Childminders who are registering with Ofsted. However, it is very similar for Scottish and Welsh childminders registering with the Care Inspectorate and CSSIW.
 

At the start of the registration process …

Before you contact Ofsted about registration advice you should consider the following:

Are you physically fit enough to be a childminder? You will be lifting children, buggies and toys all day – childminding is a physically demanding job. You should ask your doctor if you are unsure about any medication you are taking or whether current and / or previous medical conditions might prevent you from registering.

Are you mentally strong enough to be a childminder? You will be working on your own, from your home, dealing with parents and children every day and childminding can be a lonely job. You should ask your doctor if you are unsure.

Is your family supportive? Things will go wrong with your new business and your family will need to be there for you. If they have any reservations, now is the time to discuss and resolve them.

Are there any barriers to your registration? For example, is there anything in the past lives of your family members that might prevent you from childminding? Ask the question now, so there aren’t any surprises when the statutory suitability checks come back.

Can you work from your property? If you rent your property, you will need permission from your landlord. If you own or are buying your property, you will need to check for restrictions first. Note that you are not a ‘business’ you are classed as ‘working from home.’

Is there a need for new childminders in your local area? There is no point setting up as a childminder and spending lots of money on the process if you cannot get any work when you are registered. Speak to other local providers for support.

How many children can you look after? Knowing your ratios will help you to decide whether your childminding setting will be financially sustainable. You can usually care for 3 children under the age of 5 years so, for example, if you have 3 early years children of your own, you are already full.

Is your house big enough? There are strict rules about floor space which you need to check before registering. Read our guide about Floor Space Requirements

Do you need planning permission? Most local authorities do not require childminders to get planning permission if they are working on their own from their homes. If you want to register assistants or work from other premises, you will most likely need to apply for planning permission first. Read our guide about Planning Permission
 

Making decisions about your registration

What type of childminder do I want to be? There are different classifications of Ofsted registered childminder. You can work 100% from your home as a childminder on domestic premises; you can work part from your home and part from other premises; you can work 100% from non-domestic premises. You will need to check what type of childminder you want to register as and decide before you apply.

What register/s do I want to join? You will need to join the early years register which uses the statutory framework, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to care for children until they start Year 1 at school (the end of August before Year 1). You will need to join the Childcare Register (compulsory register) to care for children aged 5 – 8 years and the Childcare Register (voluntary register) to care for children aged 8+ years. Each register has its own registration requirements, so you will need to read them to be sure.

Who do you want to work with? If you want to work on your own, you need to register as a childminder. If you want to work with up to 3 assistants or other childminders, you need to register as a childminder. If you want to work with more than 4 staff, you need to register as childcare on domestic premises and use the EYFS for group and school provision, rather than the EYFS for childminders.
 

The registration process

DfE explain the process of registering as an Ofsted registered childminder.

Notes:

• You do not need to do an introduction to childminding course.

• You do need knowledge of the EYFS and safeguarding.

• You will need to attend a 12 hour Ofsted approved paediatric first aid course.

• Think about how you will run your childminding setting.

• You will need to apply for your health declaration from your doctor.

• You will need Ofsted DBS checks for everyone over 16 living or working in your home.

• There will be costs associated with your application so you will need a budget – there might be a start-up grant available.

• There is paperwork to set up and health and safety legislation to comply with before you register.

• Ofsted will check your home before registering you.
 

When you are registered

When you are registered there are more steps to follow, such as:

• You will need to buy public liability insurance. This is included free with Childcare.co.uk gold membership.

• You will need to register with the Information Commissioners Office.

• If you intend taking children on journeys in your car, you will need appropriate motor business insurance as well as suitable car seats.

• You will need to register with HMRC as self-employed and keep financial records.
 

More guidance on registering as a childminder

Childcare.co.uk offers comprehensive free registration guidance as well as hundreds of childminder guides and free childminder paperwork.