Childminders use their own home as a venue to look after children. Most full-time work is with babies and children under five. They may also look after older children before school, after school and during the holidays.

Childminders cater for children's physical, educational, social and emotional needs. They provide a warm, caring environment along with stimulating play and learning activities. They aim to encourage learning and development through activities such as painting and drawing, reading stories and outdoor play.

A childminder's duties will also include:

• planning, preparing and serving meals to the children in their care
• (with babies) preparing bottles, feeding and changing nappies.

An important aspect of the job is to work closely with parents (or other carers, such as foster parents) and to share information about the wellbeing of their children. 

Childminding has a big impact on the childminder's home life; modifications may need to be made to make the home safe. Childminders need the understanding and support of their family.

Hours and Environment

As a childminder you are likely to work long hours to cater for the needs of working parents. Some childminders offer a weekend and/or overnight service.

As a childminder you will work mainly in your own home, but you are also likely to take children to and from school or playgroup.

Skills and Interests

To be a childminder you will need:

• a love of children and a commitment to providing long-term care
• an open-mind about different ways of bringing up children
• a caring nature, patience, a sense of humour and flexibility
• good communication skills
• to be open to scrutiny, both personally and in your own home
• an awareness of health, safety and hygiene
• knowledge of child protection issues
• the ability to keep written records and make simple financial calculations.

Entry

You do not need qualifications in order to work as a childminder. However, it is important that you have a suitable personality and experience with children, for example, as a parent or childcare worker. All childminders must meet a set of national standards and be registered. You need to be in good physical and mental health.

In England OFSTED is responsible for registering and inspecting childminders. To become registered you should take the following steps:

• contact Childcarelink for details of your Local Authorities Children's Information Service
• the Children's Information Service will send you information about childminding, invite you to attend a childminding pre-registration briefing session, and provide you with an application pack
• return your completed application to Ofsted
• have a home inspection and personal interview to make sure your home meets the required health and safety standards, and that you are a suitable person to care for children
• attend a pre-registration training course, including first aid (arranged by your local authority or Children's Information Service).

Checks will also be made regarding health and criminal record, for you and anyone in your household over 16 years old and anyone who is going to work with you.

When you satisfy the criteria outlined above you will receive an Ofsted registration certificate, you can apply for insurance and start work as a childminder.

To register in Scotland contact the Care Commission; in Wales contact the Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales; and in Northern Ireland contact your local Health and Social Services Trust (the Northern Ireland Childminding Association will send out information packs). See Further Information for details.

Training

As a registered childminder you may be encouraged by your local authority to work towards a Level 3 qualification. Relevant qualifications include:

• Level 3 Diploma in Home-based Childcare - this course aims to provide you with the skills needed to encourage and promote development in children aged 0-16
• NVQ/SVQ Level 3 in Children's Care, Learning and Development.

Achieving the level 3 Diploma in Home-based Childcare provides some of the background needed for the NVQ.

Your local authority can give you details of start-up grants and local childminder support networks (you may become an accredited childminder through your involvement with such a network). Childcare Link can give you details of your local authority; check Further Information for details.

Opportunities

As a childminder you are likely to be self-employed, providing a service for working or student parents. Some childminders are paid by the local authority, for example, to care for children who might otherwise be at risk of neglect or abuse.

There is little opportunity for career progression within childminding itself, but with relevant qualifications you can move into related areas such as:

• working in a nursery or family centre
• playwork
• working as a classroom assistant
• running an after-school or holiday club.

Annual Income

Figures intended as a guideline only.

Earnings vary depending on the number of children cared for, and the number of hours worked.
A childminder working full-time may earn between £11,500 and £17,000 a year.
It may be possible to earn more.

Further information

Beaufort House
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Newtownards
Co. Down
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Manchester
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Stirling
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Bromley
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