Childminder Start-Up Grant Scheme
Any childminder who completes registration between 15th March 2023 and 31st March 2025 is eligible to claim a grant to help with the cost of setting up as a childminder. You must be a registered childminder before you can apply Apply for a childminder start-up grant - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
If you want to be paid to look after children under 8, you might need to register with Ofsted or a childminder agency.
Pre-registration information
A number of companies offer childminding registration courses online. Ofsted offers an on line pre-registration briefing https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pre-registration-briefing-for-those-wishing-to-become-childminders
Disclosure and Barring Service
All childminders and any person living or working on the premises, aged over 16 will need to have a DBS completed and Ofsted recommends that you subscribe to the DBS update service. The following link takes you to the Ofsted website https://www.gov.uk/guidance/criminal-record-checks-for-childminders-and-childcare-workers. Ofsted will only accept a DBS certificate within 3 months of the issue date. Sign up for the DBS update service to keep your certificate up to date.
Ofsted
You must register with Ofsted or a childminder agency if you want to be paid to look after children aged under 8 years for more than 2 hours a day. There are 2 registers. You must apply to be on:
- the Early Years Register to look after children aged 5 and under
- the Childcare Register to look after children aged 5 to 7
- both registers to look after children of all ages
The Early Years Register is for children from birth up to the 31 August after their 5th birthday. After that you must be on the Childcare Register to look after them.
The following link takes you to the registration page for Ofsted or to register with a childminder agency, contact them directly
Food Standards Agency (FSA)
The following link takes you to the information required when registering as a childminder: http://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/safer-food-better-business-for-childminders
Training
Childminders should complete training which enables them to care for children. The training includes implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (EYFS), paediatric first aid, food hygiene and safeguarding children. NYC offers EYFS training called “Principles into Practice.
To book onto any NYC training course you will need to register with North Yorkshire Education Services and book directly through the website at North Yorkshire Education Services (nyestraining.co.uk)
Childminders must have a paediatric first aid certificate. The certificate must be for a full course consistent with the criteria set out in Annex A. Paediatric first aid training must be renewed every three years and be relevant for people caring for young children and babies.
Childminders must complete child protection training which helps them identify, understand and respond appropriate to signs of possible abuse and neglect. Childminders, at a minimum, should complete the NYSCP free E-learning training course “NYC Safeguarding Children Basic Awareness” NYSCP (safeguardingchildren.co.uk)
HMRC
The following link takes you to information about registering as self-employed with HMRC: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/webinars-emails-and-videos-if-youre-self-employed (childminder specific information is further down on the webpage, so you will need to scroll down)
Families Information Service
For a full information pack or further advice and support about starting a childminding business in North Yorkshire, please contact the Families Information Service at fis.information@northyorks.gov.uk .
