Becoming a childminder
If you are interested in becoming a childminder, we have a dedicated and experienced team who can help you to achieve your ambition.
Find out more about the support we offer and where to find advice about the business side of childminding.
Thinking about becoming a childminder?
There's lots to think about before you take this step.
Setting up your very own childcare business can be an exciting and challenging proposition with lots of different elements that need to be right. But before we get to that, think about:
Whether you want to work from home?
Are you enthusiastic, energetic and have a desire to support children's individual needs and support their learning and development?
Do you enjoy the company of children?
How will you store and allow children access to resources and toys in your home?
Will you provide a customer focussed service?
How will this fit into your own home life?
Pre-registration briefing sessions
If you need more information, time to think, or are unsure whether this is the career for you – why not access our virtual pre-registration briefing session?
There are no set dates or times and you can watch the webinar in your own time to help you make the right the choice.
The briefing session will also take you through the process to register with Ofsted as a childminder.
After the session you have options to book one of our support packages to ensure that you have all the knowledge you need to become a childminder – we've got you covered!
There is no charge to access the briefing. All you need to do is email earlyyearscentre@lancashire.gov.uk and include your full name, address and telephone number and request access.
You will also have the opportunity to have an informal chat with a member of the team who can answer any questions you might have.
Childminding pre-registration support packages
Once you have watched the briefing, you may decide to purchase a package of support to help you register as a childminder. The packages have been designed for you to choose the level of support that you require.
This support package is ideal if you are an experienced early years practitioner with a good understanding of the early years foundation stage statutory framework (GOV.UK) requirements. It includes:
Pre-registration support visit
For those living within the areas of Lancashire County Council (excluding Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool), one of our experienced Senior Early Education Improvement Partners (SEEIP) will visit your home to help ensure your environment is safe, suitable and ready for registration. The visit will also help prepare you for your Ofsted registration interview by checking your knowledge and understanding of childminding registration requirements.
Childminder membership
The package includes ongoing support for those living within areas of Lancashire County Council (excluding Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool) by a named Early Education Improvement Partner (EEIP) once you are registered. As part of the childminder membership you will receive the childminder portfolio with guidance documents, factsheets and policy and procedure templates.
Childminder registration e-learning package
Ideal for those who are new to working with young children, our comprehensive childminder registration e-learning package will give you the knowledge, confidence and support you need to successfully register with Ofsted and set up your childminding business.
You will receive a complete package combining e-learning training and personalised support to guide you through the registration process and beyond, helping you feel confident, prepared and ready to take on your new role as a registered childminder.
What is included?
Flexible online learning through our 'becoming a childminder' e-learning
Study from your own home and work through the course at your own pace, fitting learning around your existing commitments. The course includes approximately 15 hours of learning, which you can complete at a time and pace that suits you.
Step-by-step guidance to support your Ofsted registration
The e-learning covers the key knowledge and practical requirements needed to become a registered childminder. It supports you to understand the early years foundation stage statutory framework (GOV.UK) requirements for childminders including:
promoting children's learning and development
planning engaging activities
making your home safe and suitable for children
writing policies and procedures
understanding and supporting children's behaviour
supporting children's health and wellbeing
risk assessment and safeguarding
building positive partnerships with parents
Pre-registration support visit
For those living within the areas of Lancashire County Council, one of our experienced Senior Early Education Improvement Partners (SEEIP) will visit your home to help ensure your environment is safe, suitable and ready for registration. The visit will also help prepare you for your Ofsted registration interview by checking your knowledge and understanding of childminding registration requirements.
Childminder membership
The e-learning package includes ongoing support for those living within areas of Lancashire County Council (excluding Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool) by a named Early Education Improvement Partner (EEIP) once you are registered.
Take the first step towards becoming a registered childminder in Lancashire today.
Book a childminder pre-registration package
For further information or advice, contact the Early Years Team at:
Business side of childminding
Childminders are self-employed so you should visit Set up as self-employed (a 'sole trader')(GOV.UK) to find out what you need to do when you start working for yourself. This also includes information on how to register for self-assessment with HM Revenue and Customs.
Further information and support is provided by HM Revenue and Customs on GOV.UK including:
self-assessment help and deadlines
record keeping (including free webinar)
allowable business expenses
There is a ready reckoner on GOV.UK to help you budget for your tax bill.
The HMRC Business Income Manual on GOV.UK sets out how much of your household bills, wear and tear on furnishings, food and drink and car expenses are 'allowable expenses' against your tax bill.
Business Smart
The government has funded PACEY to create business support and tools free to childminders and these can be found at Business Smart. Although most are free, some are only available to PACEY members.
Best Start in Life
Visit Best Start in Life information for childcare providers to understand the government help with childcare costs for parents and your role in this.
Contact us
To access the free briefing session, or for further information please contact the Early Years Team:
Email: earlyyearscentre@lancashire.gov.uk
Tel: 01772 539 058