How to Register as a Childminder in England
Childminder Guides > How to Register as a Childminder in England
Everything you need in our Childminder Registration Toolkit
Childminding is a truly worthwhile job – you make a difference to the lives of the children in your care every day. You can work from home and use your local community as the base for exploring the wider world with families and children of different ages, who all bring their unique experiences to your home-based setting.
The steps to registration with Ofsted can be tricky to navigate which is why Childcare.co.uk has put together this comprehensive ‘Childminder Registration Toolkit’ to guide you every step of the way.
If you need further information or advice, you will find it by asking colleagues on our Independent Childminders Facebook group – members love to help newly registering colleagues navigate their way to registration success.
Setting up as a childminder in England
Pre-registration advice for those who think they might want to be an Ofsted registered childminder.
Setting up as a childminder in England 
Ofsted’s pre-registration briefing
You will find a useful pre-registration briefing from Ofsted here.
Steps to registration
Childcare.co.uk gold members can watch a video on Registering as a Childminder with Ofsted on our Webinar Player.
Three months free Childcare.co.uk gold membership is included with our Preparing to work in Home-based Childcare (HBCA) CACHE Level 3 course.
Evidence Audit
This guide will help you assemble all your evidence for your Ofsted registration inspection.
Useful links for registering childminders
A useful glossary of links and other information relating to the learning and development and safeguarding and welfare requirements of the statutory framework is available in our Childminder Paperwork section.
Registration checklist
For those registering childminders who appreciate a checklist to tick off – here you go!
Writing a business plan
You are starting a new small business and as part of that process you will want to consider your SWOT analysis and write your business plan. This guide will support you.
Business management tips
Business management tips including advice on how to write the Business Plan which is part of your Introduction to Home Based Childminding course.
Employing an Assistant
Information on employing an assistant before your pre-registration visit
Childminders Employing an Assistant
The Ofsted registration visit
This guide will walk you through things to think about when planning your Ofsted registration visit.
Registration inspection sample questions
These sample questions are provided to help you prepare for your Ofsted registration visit.
Registration inspection sample questions
Registration on the Childcare Register
You will find a useful Childcare Register Audit in our Childminder Audits section.
Post-registration things to do
Steps to follow when you are registered as a childminder with Ofsted.
Post-registration things to do
Advertising your childminding business
Tips from currently registered childminders to help with your business advertising.
Advertising your childminding business
Business sustainability guidance
Information and guidance for ensuring your new childminding business is sustainable.
Business sustainability guidance
Time management and organisation guidance
Tips from registered childminders to help you manage your time and stay organised.
Time management and organisation guidance
Interviewing new parents – tips for childminders.
A series of guides which will help you once you have completed the Ofsted registration process.
Interviewing new parents – tips for childminders
Other useful information
Public liability insurance
Childcare.co.uk gold membership includes free £10m childminder public liability insurance and a range of other insurance benefits
Paediatric First Aid
Save 15% on Tigerlily first aid courses for childminders
Start the Ofsted registration process
You can fill in the form to register with Ofsted online. It should take about 30 minutes
Don’t have an account? Register free today
Create a free account
Sign up in one minute, no payment details required.
Member benefits include:
- Add a free profile detailing your requirements or services
- Search by postcode for local members near you
- Read and reply to messages for free
- Optional paid services available
