Becoming a childminder

  • You will need to register with Ofsted or a childminder agency before you can look after children under the age of eight years. To be a childminder you need to be at least 18. As part of the registration process you would need to:
    • attend suitable childminding training that will allow you to demonstate your ability to deliver the requirements of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
    • attend a safeguarding awareness course
    • attend paediatric first aid training.

    The Devon Early Years and Childcare service provides free pre registration support and advice. To access support contact the Early Years team at: eycs@devon.gov.uk

    The registration process can take up to twelve weeks from when you submit an application form to Ofsted.

    Find out which courses you are required to undertake in our guide to becoming a childminder.

    Preparing to be a childminder course:

    We offer a ‘Preparing to be a childminder’ course which covers all the training requirements to prepare you for Ofsted registration. The 2 day course costs £50.

    You must also attend a Paediatric First Aid course (which costs £65) and a Safeguarding Awareness (Group 2) course (fully funded). Dates available to book via the training website). If you already hold a current Paediatric First Aid or a Safeguarding Awareness certificate you do not need to undertake this course again.

    You may be entitled to up to £500 to help with start-up costs through The Childcare Business Grants Scheme (ends 31 March 2019)

    Course dates:

    • 6 and 13 March 2019 – Exeter, Newcourt Community Centre
    • 5 & 12 June 2019 – Barnstaple Library

    To book a place on the Preparing to be a childminder course please contact the Early Years team at: eycs@devon.gov.uk. We will then be able to create a training account for you and will let you know how you can book and pay for a place on the course.

    Childminder information session:

    Want to find out a bit more about becoming a childminder before signing up to the ‘Preparing to be a childminder’ course? Come along to a free and informal information session!

    • Wednesday 1 May 2019 – Ilfracombe Children’s Centre (10.30am – 11.30am)
    • Wednesday 1 May 2019 – Barnstaple Civic Centre (1.30pm – 2.30pm)

    Please contact the Early Years team at: eycs@devon.gov.uk to let us know if you will be attending.

    • Early Years Register: covering children from birth up to the 31st August following their fifth birthday
    • Childcare Register:
      • compulsory part – covering children from the end of the early years stage until they reach the age of eight
      • voluntary part – covering children over eight years of age.

    Please see the Quick Guide to registering as a childminder

    Please follow the Ofsted online application process: registering to become a childminder.

    If you have any queries please contact the Early Years team at: eycs@devon.gov.uk

  • Childminder preparation training materials

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