Becoming a registered childminder

Childminding is a fantastic opportunity to build a rewarding career while working from your own home, community hall, or partnering with a local school.  

Childminding allows you to provide high-quality care and education in a nurturing environment, giving children a strong start in life. 

With the flexibility to set your own hours and the ability to shape your business to suit your strengths, becoming a registered childminder offers both professional satisfaction and financial stability in a high-demand industry. 

Unique package of support and £600 start-up grant to kick start your business

If you register in Brighton & Hove, you can access a unique, personalised package of support which includes:   

• 1:1 support from an experienced childminding development officer
• £600 Wraparound Childminder Start-up Grant - to cover your start-up business costs
• ongoing training and networking opportunities 

The Wraparound Childminder Start-up Grant is available to childminders who offer before/after school care and completed their registration between 31 March 2025 and 31 March 2026.

Childminder information sessions

To find out more, come along to one of our friendly, informative information sessions. These are held monthly.

In these sessions, we will:

• explain the Ofsted registration process
• look at a typical day of a childminder and their roles and responsibilities
• talk about business and marketing
• share discounted training opportunities
• answer your specific queries so you can decide if it's the right career for you 

Book your place on the next childminder information session. 

Benefits of childminding

Rewarding career

• Help children learn, grow, and develop in a safe environment
• Build close relationships with families and make a real impact
• Every day is different, filled with fun and creativity
• Offer wraparound childcare, looking after children of all ages before and after school and during the school holidays

Independence and creativity

• Be your own boss and shape your childcare business your way
• Plan fun, educational activities based on your interests and strengths
• Create a warm, nurturing environment that reflects your values

Flexibility and work-life balance

• You can set your own hours to fit around family life
• No commuting - work from home while earning an income
• Choose the number and age of children you care for

Financial benefits

• Potentially good earnings, especially in high-demand areas
• Package of support for start-up

Professional growth and support

• Access to training, qualifications, and continuous professional development
• Opportunities to specialise (e.g., SEND support, bilingual childcare)
• Support from local councils, childminding networks, and professional bodies
• Expand by employing childminding assistants – to care for more children at once

Job security and high demand

• Families always need quality childcare, providing steady work
• Many parents prefer a home-based setting 
• Childminding can be a long-term career with repeat parents/siblings
• Once established, word-of-mouth business thrives 

What a childminder is

A childminder is someone who is registered either with Ofsted or a childminder agency, who provides care and education for children under the age of 8, in their own home for more than 2 hours a day.

A registered childminder can: 

• care for a maximum of 6 children under the age of 8 - of these 6 children, 3 can be under the age of 5 and one can be under the age of one
• provide wraparound care - before and after school for school-age children
• create a nurturing environment for babies and toddlers
• offer funded places to parents through the Early Years Free Entitlements (EYFE) government scheme for 2, 3 and 4-year-olds

The Ofsted registration process

Whilst childminders are unique and have their own skills and qualities to offer, Ofsted has a registration process to ensure childminders:

• are suitable people
• have suitable premises
• have the skills, knowledge and competency to fulfil the role

The Ofsted registration process can take up to 12 weeks.

Read more about registering with Ofsted.

Read GOV.UK's guide on registering with Ofsted if you want to look after children at home.

Before you apply to Ofsted

Before you complete the Ofsted online application, you should:

• attend your free Childminder Information Session  or contact your local Childminding Development Officer at Brighton & Hove City Council to introduce yourself and your childcare plans
• complete all required training which includes:
  • home-based childcare course that covers the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, discounted childminding UK training is available for all Brighton & Hove residents
  • paediatric first aid course – minimum 12 hours/Level 2 equivalent
  • child protection training – safeguarding
  • food safety qualification
• apply for an Enhanced DBS check for you and everyone in your household over the age of 16
• complete a Health Declaration form

Preparing for the registration visit

Once your application is received, Ofsted will arrange a registration visit to your home. This will normally take place once all your checks are complete but could happen earlier.

It's important that you're ready to provide childcare at this point. An inspector will not normally make more than one registration visit.

Ofsted will check that you and your home are suitable to look after other people's children before they register you.

Contact our Childminding Development Officer once you have a registration visit date. They will come out to your home and help you prepare. Find out more about an Ofsted registration visit.

At the registration visit, Ofsted will tell you if you have been successfully registered.

You can start childminding when you get your registration certificate.

When you are registered with Ofsted

Once you're registered you can:

• get Public Liability Insurance (some include essential paperwork packages)
• register your business with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), you should create your online account within 3 months
• provide funded places through Early Years Free Entitlements (EYFE) funding, send an email to eyc@brighton-hove.gov.uk if you're considering this as you will need to complete an application process first
• advertise your business on the free Family Service Directory - Brighton & Hove where families can search for childcare and local services
• sign up for Tax-Free Childcare (HMRC)
• check whether you need data protection registration
• access training and events to support your continuing professional development
• access free professional advice and support from the Early Years and Childcare team

Real stories from people working in early years and childcare

The Early Years Careers Campaign includes inspiring case study videos and blogs from real early years educators. Discover the real stories from early years educators making a difference, their way.

You can use the Early Years Careers Campaign website to:

• hear what they have to say about where they work
• find out what their role is like

You can also watch a short video called Discover the Freedom of Childminding by The Department For Education to learn more.

For more advice and information

For support and advice from Brighton & Hove Early Years and Childcare Team send an email to eyc@brighton-hove.gov.uk.

For help with the online application phone 0300 123 1231.