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 an Ofsted-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 Coram Pacey. 

All your work is submitted and assessed online, and learners will have the support of a range of interactive materials when completing the work. 

Step 3 - During this time, and before you apply to be registered with Ofsted, you must complete a 12 hour paediatric first aid course. 

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 £50 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 £16.

Step 5 - Before you make your application to Ofsted you need to print off and submit a health Declaration booklet to Ofsted.   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. When Ofsted acknowledges receipt of your application, they will send you details of how to pay their fee and will arrange to visit you  - a pre-registration visit. 

Further guidance on registration with Ofsted can be found online -

 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-registered-early-years-or-childcare-provider-in-england