Childminder

A childminder is self-employed and runs their own business. Childminders look after one or more children under the age of eight for more than a total of 2 hours a day for reward.

Most childminders looking after children under the age of 8 must register with Ofsted or a childminder agency.

Most childcare providers looking after children under the age of 8 must register with Ofsted. Childminders can choose to register with a childminder agency instead.  Childminder agencies register childminders and give training, business support, advice and help finding suitable parent

There are two Ofsted registers: The Early Years Register and the Childcare Register.

  • You must register on the Early Years Register to look after children from birth up to the 31 August after their fifth birthday.
  • You must register on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register to look after children aged 5 to 7.
  • You must register on both registers to look after children of all ages.
  • You can register on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register to look after children over 8 or to look after children in their own home.

Before you can register as a childminder you will also need to:

  • Complete training that enables you to understand and implement the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)- If registering on the Early Years Register.
  • Complete a 12-hour paediatric first aid course.
  • Fill in a health declaration form and get it signed by your GP- the health check only applies to those on the early years register.
  • Obtain a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) enhanced check
  • Ofsted Registration for childminders - What you need to know if you want to be a childminder

Next Steps

If you intend to register as a childminder in Leicester, you will need to submit an start a childcare business enquiry form.  The EED team can provide help with the Ofsted registration process and can offer pre-registration visits to your home to:

  • Explain the requirements and process of registering as a childminder
  • Discuss training needs and signpost to relevant training courses
  • Inform you of the process of applying to Ofsted to register as a childminder 
  • Help you to carry out risk assessments and make the home environment safe for young children
  • Support you throughout the registration process
  • Offer business support

If you reside outside of the city, please refer to Leicestershire County Council's information

Further information

Ofsted Childcare Registration Facebook page

Childcare on non-domestic premises

Becoming a childminder and running your business - step by step guidance with further links to information including Becoming a childminder, DBS checks and EYFS.

Childminders and childcare providers - guidance for registering with Ofsted

Apply for a childminder start-up grant - eligible new childminders can apply for a start-up grant to recover the costs of registering as a childminder.

Business smart - PACEY

Childminder pre-registration online briefing - PACEY (fee payable)

Q card for guidance: Childminder - Employing an assistant