How do I register as a childminder?
How do I register as a childminder?
Registering with Ofsted
Annual Registration Fee: Joining the Ofsted Early Years Register currently costs £35 per year.
Support from Buckinghamshire Early Years Service: If you choose to register, you’ll receive free support, advice, and annual visits from the Buckinghamshire Early Years Service.
Dedicated Early Years Key Contact: You’ll be assigned an Early Years Key Contact—a dedicated Early Years Consultant who will guide and support you throughout your registration and beyond.
Childminding Registration Requirements: In order to make effective business decisions in these early stages, it is essential that you decide on the duration and type of childcare you wish to provide as the relevant registration with Ofsted will be required. You will also need to have a sound understanding of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Childcare Register. The EYFS covers children from birth to 31st August following their 5th birthday (end of reception stage at school) and the childcare register from Year 1 upwards (compulsory and voluntary parts). Information about these registration requirements are available from the Ofsted Website.
You should look at and consider carefully the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which sets the standards for learning, development and care for children age birth to five, which need to be met in order to achieve Ofsted registration.
Getting ready for your Ofsted registration visit
As part of the registration process you will receive a visit from Ofsted. The following checklist will help you to prepare for the visit. You will also be able to seek advice and support from your Early Years Key Contact prior to your registration visit.
Follow this link to to register with Ofsted
To help you prepare for the registration visit, please refer to the support document:
Preparing for your Ofsted Registration Checklist
Registering with a childminder agency
If you decide to join a childminder agency you will need to do your own research to find out about the agency’s registration fee, ongoing annual or monthly fee’s and what support the agency provide and the notice period you will need to give if you leave. We advise you read childminder agency contracts carefully to ensure you fully understand what you are signing up to.
If you are unsure which route to take and would like to ask questions about the registration process please call the Early Years Service on 01296 387111 option 1 or email earlyyears@buckinghamshire.gov.uk