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

Watch our YouTube video about a childcare case study:

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" (.pdf Size: 926Kb)

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 individually 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.

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!

To become registered first you will need to attend a free pre-registration briefing where you will find out more about becoming a childminder.

Following the briefing session and attendance at relevant training, a member of the Childminding Service will visit your home to carry out a home safety check. Once they are satisfied your home meets the welfare requirements of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, you will receive support to complete your Ofsted application pack which when complete will start your registration process with Ofsted.

You will have to undergo training in the following areas:

  • Child protection - 3hours
  • First aid (Paediatric) - 12hours
  • Early years foundation stage - 5 hours
  • Childminder introductory course (Home Based Childcare Aware) - 50 guided hours (which includes 24 hours taught over 4 session)

All course are delivered in the evenings and at weekends

Yes, this will be part of the application process/pack for Ofsted and all people over the aged of 16 years and who are regularly in your home must also have a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check (this includes members of your family).

here are costs involved which include:

  • attendance fees for training - Paediatric First Aid (approximately £70)
  • childminder introductory training - £50
  • meeting the requirements of the Home Safety checks - for example the purchase of stair gates, cupboard locks, plug covers, fireguards, etc.
  • Application Park - a registration fee of £35 will be required
  • a fee will be payable to your Doctor for completion of a Health Declaration booklet on your behalf.  The price for this varies dependent on your GP practice charges
  • insurance
  • supporting documentation - which includes Contracts, Accident and Incident Forms, Attendance Sheets etc.

It will be up to you to set your fees. Before you decide how much to charge for a placement it is a good idea to do a bit of research to find out what other local childminders and childcare providers charge.

The safeguarding and welfare requirements for the Early Years Foundation Stage state that can have up to a maximum of 6 children under 8 years old, no more than three of these can be under the age of 5. Your own children will be included in these numbers.

You will be inspected within thirty months of registration and then you will be inspected every three to five years within Ofsted programme of inspections.

Last updated : 22 May 2025

Now that you are an established childminder can you extend your business?

Telford & Wrekin Council are looking for established quality professionals who are interested in offering foster caring, could this be you?

Download our information leaflet on extending your business to foster caring (.pdf Size: 502Kb)

Visit the Telford Fostering website for more information about foster caring

Get in touch:

Telephone: 01952 387387

Last updated : 13 February 2025

Things to consider before committing to be a childminder

These are excellent questions to consider if you're thinking about becoming a childminder! They cover a wide range of important factors that will contribute to your success. Here are some considerations:

Personal suitability:

  • Do I genuinely enjoy spending time with children? This is the most crucial factor. Childminding requires patience, understanding, and a genuine love for children.
  • Can I provide a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment? This includes:
    • A safe and secure home: Is your home child-friendly, with adequate space and safety features?
    • A stimulating environment: Do you have a variety of age-appropriate toys, books, and activities to engage children?
    • Access to outdoor space: Is there a safe garden or access to a local park?
  • What are my personal strengths? Are you creative, patient, organized, and able to adapt to different personalities and needs?

Practical:

  • What hours am I prepared to work?
    • Consider your own family commitments, including your partner's work schedule, school hours, and other family responsibilities.
    • Will your hours allow you to meet the needs of working parents?
  • What age group would I like to work with?
    • Babies and toddlers require different care than preschoolers. Choose an age group that aligns with your interests and experience.
  • How do my family members feel about me looking after other children?
    • Open communication is key. Discuss potential impacts on family life and address any concerns.

Professionalism and ethics:

  • Can I respect the individual needs of all children?
    • This includes children from diverse backgrounds, with different abilities, and those with special educational needs.
  • Can I communicate effectively with parents?
    • Building strong relationships with parents is essential. You'll need to share information about their child's day, address any concerns, and work collaboratively to meet their needs.
  • Am I committed to ongoing professional development?
    • Childminding requires continuous learning. Are you willing to attend training courses and stay updated on best practices?
  • Do I understand and respect confidentiality?
    • You must maintain strict confidentiality regarding all information shared by parents and about the children in your care.
  • Have all family members aged 16 or over completed an Enhanced DBS check?
    • This is a legal requirement for all individuals living in the household.

Essential skills:

  • Do I have the necessary skills?
    • While prior experience is helpful, it's not always essential.
    • Paediatric first aid and child protection training are crucial.
    • Consider your English and Maths skills. If you need to improve, explore local education courses.

By carefully considering these questions, you can gain a better understanding of your suitability for childminding and make an informed decision about whether it's the right career path for you.

Remember: Childminding is a rewarding but demanding profession. It requires dedication, patience, and a genuine love for children.

Last updated : 13 February 2025

Registering as a Childminder

  • Choose the Correct Registers:
  • Legal Requirement:
    • If you work in your own home caring for children under eight for more than two hours per day in return for payment, you must register with Ofsted.
    • Operating without registration can result in prosecution and an unlimited fine.
  • Registration Process:
    • The registration process can take up to 12 weeks.
    • The current application fee is £35 for those wishing to join all three registers.

For more information, please visit the GOV.UK website.

Does everyone who looks after children need to be on the register?

No. You do not need to register as a childminder if you: 

  • are the parent or relative of the child you are looking after; or you have parental responsibility for the child
  • are a local authority foster parent in relation to the child
  • are a foster parent with whom a child has been placed by a voluntary organisation
  • foster a child privately
  • only look after the child between the hours of 6pm and 2am

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Checks

Important Information for Prospective Childminders:

  • Background Checks:
    • All household members aged 16 or over and anyone involved in your childminding business must complete a background DBS check.
    • This helps ensure the safety and well-being of the children in your care.
  • "Barred" List:
    • If any member of your household is on the "barred" list, you may not be able to register as a childminder.
  • Need More Information?
    • Contact the Ofsted helpline at 0300 123 1231 for further guidance.

Health Declaration Form

If you are applying to the Early Years register you must complete a Health Declaration form.

Start Up Government Grant

Any childminder who has completed their childminder registration with Ofsted on or after 15 March 2023 may be eligible to claim £600 start up grant until 31 March 2025. 

New childminders will be able to apply for the grant from Autumn 2023 until 31 March 2025. 

Last updated : 13 February 2025