Becoming a Childminder - Information
Becoming a Childminder in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
Step 1 - Childminders must be registered with Ofsted or an Ofsted Registered Childminder Agency. In order to understand the process and to make sure you can be a childminder you are advised to read the
New Childminder Briefing on-line
http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/pre-registration-briefing-for-those-wishing-become-childminders
Step 2 - After reading the information, if you decide to go ahead, you must complete a local authority approved pre-registration course.
The Level 3 Award Preparing to Work in Home-based Childcare will be the approved nationally recognised course. You can complete the course on-line with PACEY
http://www.pacey.org.uk/training/preparing_for_home-based_care.aspx
All your work is submitted and assessed online, and learners will have the support of a range of interactive materials when completing the work. The cost of this course is around £240 and includes membership for 6 months.
If you would prefer to complete classroom based training, Bracknell Forest are happy for you to attend the course offered by their local College. For further details please contact them directly – Tel: 01344 353133 or email fis@bracknell-forest.gov.uk
Step 3 - During this time, and before you apply to be registered with Ofsted, you must complete a 12 hour paediatric first aid course. The cost of this training will be between £50 - £150 depending on the provider.
Step 4 - During this time, and before you apply to be registered with Ofsted, you must apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) enhanced check for yourself and anybody else aged 16years or over living on your premises. The check will cost around £56 each must be made through the following portal - http://ofsteddbsapplication.co.uk/Step-One.aspx
Once everybody associated with the application has obtained a DBS certificate they should also sign up to the DBS update service, which costs around £14.
Step 5 - Before you make your application to Ofsted you need to print off and submit a health Declaration booklet to Ofsted. Your Surgery may charge for this form to be completed and this could be anything up to £150 – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-childcare-provider-health-declaration
Step 6 - Once the above steps have all been completed you can apply online to Ofsted. The cost of registration with Ofsted is around £36 - https://www.gov.uk/register-childminder-childcare-provider
Further guidance on registration with Ofsted can be found online -