Becoming a childminder

Childminders play an important part in giving parents a greater choice of high quality, flexible childcare and family support packages.

To become a registered childminder in London Borough of Richmond you must live in the Richmond borough and you will need to complete the following four phases:

  1. Attend a Stage 1 Briefing
  2. Complete a Literacy Assessment
  3. Attend a Stage 2 Briefing
  4. Complete mandatory training

The following information gives details of each phase:

Before the Stage 1 Briefing

You will need to:

  • Download the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. This is under review and can only be obtained from the Department of Education website. The EYFS sets out the legal requirements relating to welfare, learning and development that all Ofsted registered Early Years providers are required to implement.
  • Book a place to take the Literacy Assessment. Please contact claire.grayson@richmond.gov.uk.You will be required to complete a Literacy Assessment between the Stage 1 Briefing and the Stage 2 Briefing. This is an on-line assessment and takes about one hour to complete. Childminders must be able to show a good level of language and literacy skills, as described on page 41 of the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory guidance. The assessment can be done at the Curriculum and Training Centre (CTC), Clifden Road, Twickenham, TW1 4LT. You will need to pass the Literacy Assessment before you start the Ofsted registration process. Practice papers can be found on the Move On website. On the Test Preparation page select: Type Level 2 Literacy, Format on screen.

Stage 1 Briefing Session

This session will look at:

  • The role of the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted), including who needs to register and why
  • The requirements for registration and how Ofsted will decide if you are suitable to register as a childminder
  • The legal requirements for registration
  • The quality standards for learning, development and care for children from birth to five years of age Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
  • The number of children a registered childminder may look after
  • Support and information regarding the mandatory training you will be required to attend, complete and pass.
  • Booking Literacy Assessment.

Stage 2 Briefing Session

This session will provide you with more information on:

  • The statutory requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
  • How to prepare for your registration visit
  • The funding available to get you started
  • Policies and procedures
  • The Family Information Service (FIS)
  • How to arrange a pre-registration visit from the local authority that will cover risk assessment and the Ofsted application forms

Mandatory Training

Ofsted require childminders to complete the following mandatory training:

  • Paediatric First Aid training, to be completed prior to registration
  • Unit 1 of the Diploma for Children and Young People’s Workforce, “How to set up a home-based childcare service,” (CYPOP5) to be completed prior to first Ofsted inspection.

The training package cost is £220. This is non refundable and is payable on recipt of an invoice. You will be given information on how to access this training at the Stage 1 Briefing session.  Places on these training sessions can be booked at the Stage 1 Briefing or when you attend the Literacy Assessment.

To book a place on the Briefing Sessions

The Childminding Briefing Sessions are free. It is a requirement that you attend both Stage 1 and Stage 2 in order to register as a childminder.

To book a place on Stage 1 and Stage 2 Childminding Briefing Sessions please use our Childminding Briefing Sessions booking form. A confirmation letter will be sent to you. Please note that it is not practical for babies and children to attend the sessions.

Training sessions are held at the CTC, Clifden Road, Twickenham TW1 4LT. The car park at CTC is pay and display. If you have any queries please contact Melanie Adams on 020 8831 6267.