main content Interested in being a Childminder?

A childminder is an Ofsted-registered child carer who works in their own home caring for babies and children from birth onwards. They are regularly inspected by childcare inspectors from the Early Years Directorate of Ofsted, and work to 14 national standards laid down by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF).  These standards can be found on the DCSF website (www.dcsf.gov.uk). They must have a police and Criminal Records Bureau Check, be in good health and have demonstrated that they are a suitable person to look after children and can actively contribute to children's development and learning. Their homes will also need to meet strict safety checks and must also be insured correctly. All registered childminders are graded outstanding, good, satisfactory or inadequate when inspected and parents/carers can ask to read these reports during their initial visit. 

Eligibility

Is it for me?

Childminders come from all walks of life.  Many parents find it an ideal career while their own children are young; others come into the profession later in their working life.  Childminders enjoy the flexibility of being able to choose their working hours and the benefits of working from home.

You will need to enjoy working with children and parents, be patient, imaginative and have the ability to run your own business. There is also the need for further training regarding the Early Years Foundation Stage.  Information can be found on the Department for Children, Schools and Families website (www.standards.dcsf.gov.uk) and on the Teachernet website (www.teachernet.gov.uk).

Who needs to be registered?

If you are wanting to look after other people's children under the age of eight years in your own home for reward then you must be registered with Ofsted.  Registration will also mean parents and carers will be able to claim the childcare element of the working families tax credit.

You do not need to register if you care for children:

• for less than two hours in total per day
• the child is a relative (for example a grandchild, niece or nephew)
• the child is over 8 years
• you are fostering the child
• or looking after the child in their own home (a nanny).

Important

If you fall into the above category Early Years and Childcare Service strongly advises you to join the voluntary part of the Childcare Register (www.ofsted.gov.uk).  By joining this register providers show parents and carers who use their service that they:

• meet certain requirements relating to people, premises and provision designed to safeguard children;
• are monitored through inspections carried out by Ofsted on a random basis or as a result of concern expressed by parents or carers to Ofsted about the care.

In addition to the above you will be given a registration number enabling eligible parents and carers to claim the childcare element of the Working Families Tax Credit.
 

Details

The Bromley Childminding Association is a registered charity and was formed in 2004 by local childminders who wanted to support and promote childminding across the Borough. The Association's committee is formed of childminders, parents and representatives from the Bromley Early Years and Childcare Service and the National Childminding Association. The aims of the association are to support childminders by raising the profile of their work through special events and activities and to provide information and resources to both childminders and parents. Further details can be found on their website (www.bromleycma.org.uk).  Bromley Childminding Association can be contacted on 020 8777 7559 or by e-mail: bromleychildmindingassociation@yahoo.co.uk.

Contact

Early Years and Childcare Service
Tel:   020 8461 7208
E-mail:  early.years@bromley.gov.uk

Address:
Early Years and Childcare Service, Bromley Central Library 3rd Floor, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1EX