Working as a childminder

Childminders work in their own home, set their own times/days and work across a range of ages. The maximum number of children you can look after is set by OfSTED (the Office for Standards in Education). They also make sure your environment is suitable for childminding.

What would I be doing?

• Caring for individual babies and children up to teenagers.
• Offering play opportunities, one-to-one attention, fun activities (eg trips to the park, toddler group or baby gym)
• Part of a local network of childminders (if you'd like to join one in your area), where you can also offer Early Education (great for career development) - and meet and exchange news.        

What qualifications do I need?
If you are interested in registering to become a childminder you will need to attend a FREE, Pre-Registration information and Briefing Session.  The briefing will give you all the information that you will need to help you decide if childminding is for you.  The session will include advice on how to register with OfSTED including how to fill out your application form and information on what help and support you will receive. 

Should you decide to become a childminder, you will then need to attend an Introductory course.  These run for about 11 weeks, with one two and a half hour session each week, normally held during the evening.

Many childminders also choose to work towards qualifications to help them provide a better service to children and families, and to assist their career development. 

In Southampton, there are two introductory courses available:

Introducing Childminding Practice  run by the National Childminding Association
Skills for Professional Childminding Practice run by the Southampton Childminders' Association. 

Click here to find out more about these and other courses.

NB: Since childminders are self-employed, the fees you charge are up to you. The Children's Information Service can give you information on what other childminders are charging in your area. 

What do I do next?
If you want to discuss becoming a childminder, why not give the Children's Information Service a call on 023 8083 3122.  Or request a Recruitment Pack by emailing:  cis@southampton.gov.uk

Alternatively, if you are sure you want to become a childminder, the first you will need to do is attend a Briefing Session. Click here to find out when the next Briefing Session is and to book a place.

Click here to see a list of other jobs working with children in Southampton.