Becoming a Childminder

Image courtesy: chadguy

Registered Childminders are professional day carers working in their own homes to provide care and education for other people’s children.

Childminding is a proper job and is run as a business. As well as looking after children you will need to market your service, complete accounts and paperwork and meet standard set out in government legislation. It is hard work but at the same time often very rewarding. If you are thinking of becoming a childminder start by reading our Childminding FAQ below; it covers some of the common questions people ask about starting a childminding service.

Do I need to register to be a childminder?

You need to register as a childminder if you intent to:

• Look after children unrelated to you in your own home;
• Care for the children for more than two hours per day;
• Receive a reward for the care you provide (either payment or gifts);
• And, you live in England or Wales and the children you will care for are under eight years old, in Scotland and under 16 years old, in Northern Ireland and under 12 years old, or in Southern Ireland and under six years old.

The penalties for childminding without registering are a substantial fine, imprisonment or both.

What does registration involve?

The registration process involves attending a pre-registration meeting, an interview, providing referees, having a criminal records check carried out on you and any other adults living in your home, and an inspection of your home. This process can take 3-6 months. You will also need to pass a Paediatric First Aid course, obtain public liability insurance for childminders and, depending on your location, you may also need to attend an Introductory Childcare course either before or within six months of registration.

How long will registration take?

The registration process will take approximately 3 months in England and Wales and up to 6 months in other areas. The time may vary depending on how quickly you can prepare your home and when you are able to attend courses.

How many children can I look after?

In England and Wales you can be registered for up to six children under eight, though not more than three of these should be under five. In Scotland registration is for six children under sixteen with no more than three not yet attending primary school. In Ireland registration is for six children under six, regulations apply when there are four or more unrelated children (these numbers are currently under revision). In Northern Ireland registration is for six children under twelve, of these only three can be under five. Any children of your own will count towards your total.

Do I need any qualifications?

You will need to complete a Paediatric First Aid course before or during the registration process and a introductory childcare course within the first six months of registering. Although other courses are not compulsory, training in areas such as child protection, supporting children’s learning and food hygiene will help support your work and provide continuing professional development.

Will I have to do paperwork?

As a registered childminder you will be running your own business which means you will be responsible for keeping records and accounts. The paperwork will include contracts, policy documents, attendance records, information on the children you care for, permission forms and accident & injury records.

What changes will I have to make to my home?

Many parents choose childminders because they offer a home for home environment. You do not need to turn your home into a nursery but it should be safe and welcoming to children. Most of the changes you will need to make are to minimise risks of accidents or injuries such as fitting stair gates, plug socket covers or fire alarms. As you go through the registration process the assessor will point out any changes you need to make.

Is it expensive to start a childminding business?

The fees for registering are approximately £35. You will also need to cover the costs of attending a First Aid Course and initial training, and obtaining insurance. You will also need to obtain the equipment you will need to run your childcare service including items like safety equipment, cot, pushchair, toys, books and play resources. There are start up grants available in many areas to help with the initial costs of starting your childminding business but you will need to consider the on going costs of replacing old equipment and adding new resources. If you have children of your own similar in age to the children you plan to care for then you may have much of the equipment you need already. The age of the children you plan to care for will also effect the cost, babies will need equipment such as a cot and pram that will be unnecessary if you only plan to care for older children. Making a list of equipment and costing up the total will give you an idea of the total you may need to spend.

How much will I earn?

As you are running your own business you set your own rates so the amount you earn will depend how many children you care for, the hours they attend and how much you charge. A 2010 survey of NCMA members in England and Wales found childminders charged an average of £3.84 per hour per child (rising to £5.02 in London). You will need to deduct your expenses such as insurance, food, replacing resources etc. from this to give you an idea of the actual amount you will earn.

Your income may fluctuate as children leave your service, so you should plan ahead for times when your income may be lower than average.

Will I have to do my own accounts?

Childminders are self employed and must register with the tax office and complete self assessment tax returns, so it is important that you keep accurate and update accounts. You will need to keep records of payments you receive and any childcare related expenses to offset against you income before tax and National Insurance contributions are calculated. If you submit your tax return online then HMRC will calculate how much tax you owe. You can employ an accountant to complete your records but they will charge for this service.

What other points should I consider?

Childminding will have an impact on yourself, your partner and any other children in your home. You need to consider the change in routine, extra noise and how any children of your own may react to having to share their home, toys and you. Would you enjoy being with young children during much of the week, do you have experience in caring for young children? Extra children can mean additional wear and tear on furniture and toys. Childminding does not just involve caring for children, you also need to understand you are running your own small business and will need to keep accounts and other records. You will not have the benefits of scale or business advantages found in group settings.

As a childminder you must ensure that the resources you provide promote equal opportunities and support childrens development. Childminders in England are required to deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) which sets out the standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth until the August after their 5th birthday.