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.

Evidence Audit
 

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!

Registration checklist 
 

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.

Writing a business plan
 

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.

Business management tips
 

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.

The 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