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Bracknell Forest Local Directory

How to register as a childminder in Bracknell Forest

***Following the announcement of the new start-up grant for childminders at the Spring Budget on 15 March 2023, the £600 grant for those who register with Ofsted, and £1200 for those who register with a childminder agency, will be payable to any individual who has completed their childminder registration on or after 15 March 2023. New childminders will be able to apply for the grant from autumn 2023 More information here and further updates can be found here: Childminder start-up grants scheme update: September 2023 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)***

Step 1

Have a look at the Early Years (under 5s) Foundation Stage Framework (EYFS) - The standards that school and childcare providers must meet for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5. These are the standards childminders work to and you must be able to meet the welfare requirements.

 

Step 2

Read through the Ofsted Briefing for Local Authorities and contact the Quality and Development Team on 01344 312812 or QD.team@bracknell-forest.gov.uk if you have any questions.

 

Step 3

Complete an online childminder course “Preparing to work in Home-based Childcare” (check it is Ofsted approved.) Many Bracknell Childminders have used Pacey but there are many alternatives available.

NB If you already have knowledge and recent experience of the EYFS (eg you have worked in a nursery or Early Years childcare/education setting) you do not have to complete a course.  However, you may find it useful as it covers the business side of things – contracts, costs, policies etc.

 

Step 4

Complete an enhanced DBS check and sign up for the update service for yourself and anyone else over the age of 16 who lives with you or is a regular visitor to your home.

 

Step 5

Complete a heath declaration form. This will need to be completed by you and your doctor. You will need to check with your own surgery regarding the charges for your doctor to complete their part of the form.

 

Step 6

Complete an Ofsted approved 12 hour paediatric first aid course. Many are now “blended” – part online & part practical.

 

Step 7

Complete Bracknell Forest Council’s Introduction to safeguarding children and young people course

 

Step 8

Register with Ofsted. This can take a while, so you must ensure you apply well in advance of the time when you would like to start working.

When Ofsted acknowledges receipt of your application, they will send you details of how to pay their fee and will arrange to visit you. This is known as a pre-registration visit.

Some childminders choose to register with a Childminder Agency rather than Ofsted, although there are no local ones at the moment.

Step 9

Pre-registration visit. The inspector will check your knowledge of all aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage and check your premises (including furniture, equipment, and toys) to make sure it is a suitable learning environment for children, and you have minimised risk.

At the end of the visit the inspector will tell you whether they will recommend you ‘suitable’ or ‘not suitable’ for registration.

Step 10

Arrange Public liability Insurance. You will also need to look at the conditions of your house and car insurance.

Once you have your Ofsted registration certificate and Public Liability Insurance certificate you can start childminding. You must display these certificates.

After registration:

  • Inform H. M. Customs & Revenue of your childminding business. You have up to 3 months from your first day of childminding in which to register with them.
  • Register with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) The ICO has guidance on the restrictions that childminders and childcare providers have on taking and using photographs of children.
  • The Quality & Development Team will contact you to offer any support you might need and give you information about Early Years Funding and safeguarding.

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