How to Become a Registered Childminder
Introduction
Childminders look after children in their own home, providing for the developmental needs of the babies and children for whom they provide care.
The Children Act 1989 states that anyone providing care for children under the age of 8 years, who is not related to them, for more than 2 hours in any one day, must be registered by Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education). Ofsted registers and regularly inspects all childminders.
The Children Act exists to protect the welfare of children and ensures all childcare providers meet National Standards.
Childminders are self-employed. Some work with an assistant, others work together with another childminder.
Childminders can choose their own hours, balancing work and home-life. Some choose to work part-time; others work from early morning to later in the evening, catering for the needs of full-time working parents. They may also take part-time children, providing care before and after school. Others offer overnight, weekend or respite care.
Some childminders look after children with special needs.
Briefing sessions
We offer Briefing Sessions to anyone within the Borough considering choosing childminding as a career. The Childminding Development Officer gives information about the support, advice and training provided by us, together with the application forms required to apply for registration. Prior to registration, the Officer offers an advisory environmental check. The National Standards, Every Child Matters: Outcomes for Children Framework, by which the practice of all chilcare providers is assessed, will also be explained.
Childminding Support Mentors
Childminding Support Mentors are quality assured, experienced childminders, willing to share their knowledge and experiences to support new childminders within the Borough. They will introduce childminders to local activities and to local childminding groups, enabling new childminders to establish their own valuable peer support system.
The Childminding Support Officer allocates a mentor to each childminder as soon as they indicate their intention to register. Mentors will provide information and support for as long as necessary, usually through registration and the first inspection at the end of the first year.
If you would like more information on becoming a registered childminder and receive an information pack please telephone Poole Childrens' Information Service on 01202 261999.
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