Becoming a Childminder

Childminding is a rewarding career that provides you with the opportunity to work from home and to be self employed. If you are energetic, enthusiastic, and like looking after children and planning activities for them, you will enjoy childminding.


Do I need to register?

If you want to be a childminder or nanny, you might need to register with Ofsted or a childminding agency.

You DO need to register if:

  • you’re a childminder paid to look after children under 8 for more than 2 hours a day.

You DON’T need to register if:

  • you look after children aged 8 or over
  • you look after children of any age for less than 2 hours a day
  • you’re a nanny looking after children of any age

Further information is available  at ''How to register as a childminder or nanny: quick guide'

Registration Process and Training

  • The first step to becoming a childminder is to contact the Family Information Service to register your interest.
  • The second step is to access the Ofsted website for details on the registration process.
  • The third step is to source organisations and colleges for online courses - Search for 'Understanding how to set up a childcare service or CYPOP 5' (Cache accredited) and 'Paediatric First Aid'. 
  • All childminders need to have completed a Designated Safeguarding Lead training.  Prior to taking this training, you will need to have completed Basic Awareness training (Level 2 on MSCP Competency Framework) and Intermediate training (Level 3 on MSCP Competency Framework). 
    Enquiries about these courses can be sent to:   mscptraining@medway.gov.uk 

    DSL training enquiries can be sent to Medway Early Years Ltd:  anita@medwayearlyyears.co.uk 

Once registered your details could be added to www.medwayfisd.com to promote your business.

Please contact the Family Information Service if you require any further information on 01634 332 195 or email familyinfo@medway.gov.uk.