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Talking childminders

Talking childminders logo

What is a childminder?

As a childminder you are self-employed and seen as a professional looking after children aged from 0 to 16 years. You work in your own home and implement the safeguarding and welfare requirements for the Early Years Foundation Stage. Childminders are registered and inspected by Ofsted the governing body.

Childminders may also offer, respite care, support for teenage parents, short breaks for disabled children, mentoring for prospective childminders and some even work in partnership with other childminders.

As a registered childminder you may also be able to access Government funding to provide childcare for some 2, 3 and 4 year olds.

Visit the Live Well Telford website to view a list of registered childminders in Telford and Wrekin

Interested in becoming a childminder?

Please complete our online form


What is a Network Childminder?

Childminders who are members of the 'Talking Childminders Network' have to work to additional criteria and be able to demonstrate the quality improvement principles:

  • the professional childminder
  • leadership and management
  • quality learning and teaching
  • safeguarding and welfare
  • excellent outcomes for children.

Download the information leaflet on "why choose a quality assured childminder to provide care for your children"

What service does the Council provide?

The childminding service within Telford & Wrekin Council offers advice and support to existing childminders ensuring the service they provide is of high quality. We support with training, preparation for Ofsted inspections and ensure childminders link with local support.

In addition they offer briefing sessions to people wishing to become childminders and support them through the registration process. This involves completing home safety checks, advice on relevant training for example: first aid for children, and safeguarding. They hold briefing sessions a year and each session lasts approximate 2.5 hours.

The next childminding briefing sessions are:

This table provides details of upcoming briefing events for those interested in becoming a childminder.
Date Time Location
Will be arrange directly with prospective childminder To be confirmed Virtual meeting using microsoft teams or zoom

To book a place on the next briefing session contact talkingchildminders@telford.gov.uk or if you have an interest in becoming a childminder please complete this form.

Starting a childcare business is not just a matter of child's play! As with any business, there are a number of regulations which you will have to meet before you can open your doors to children.

Download the "why become a quality assured network childminder" leaflet


The Network aims to make sure that the standard of childcare you offer is consistently of the highest quality and is reviewed regularly.


HMRC free online educational support for Childminders

Any queries regarding this support please contact 03000 529670.


Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

View our FAQs, they may help you decide if childminding is for you!

Last updated: 28/02/2024 11:19

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