Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has announced start-up grants for anyone looking to become a registered childminder or join an agency.
Mr Hunt pledged grants of up to £1,200 as part of his Spring Budget on Wednesday.
“The Government will also provide start-up grants for new childminders, including for those who choose to register with a childminder agency,” a Budget statement said.
“Childminders who register with Ofsted will receive a start-up grant of £600, whereas those who register with a childminder agency will receive £1,200.”
This is a guide, based on the Government’s advice, about how to become a childminder or a nanny.
The difference is that a nanny can look after one or two families at one time, whereas a childminder can look after more.
Do I need to register to become a paid childminder?
You can get paid to look after children as a nanny, tutor, babysitter, or merely a family friend. In most cases, you do not need to register.
According to Government guidelines, you do need to register if all of the following apply:
- the children are under the age of 8.
- you look after them for more than two hours a day.
- you look after them in your own home.
- you get paid to look after them — including payment in kind.
To register, you need to either set yourself up with Ofsted or sign up with a childminder agency.
You cannot register if you:
- are under 18.
- are related to all of the children you look after.
- do not have the legal right to work in the UK.
- are barred from working with children.
- have been disqualified.
- have been refused registration in the past or had your registration cancelled — unless it was because you did not pay your annual fee
- are childminding in a home where a disqualified person lives or works.
There are registers for children aged up to and including 5, and aged 5 to and including 8.
How do I register as a nanny or au pair?
You can register with Ofsted as a nanny or au pair to look after children in their own home. A nanny can look after children from one or two families at the same time.
You will need first aid training; childcare training from your local council; public liability insurance; a certificate of good character from an embassy — if you’ve lived abroad in the past five years — and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
How much does it cost?
Registration fees are different for nannies and childminders. They can cost between £35 and £103.
DBS and health checks can cost an additional £38 per year, while there are also training and insurance costs.
What happens after I apply to be a childminder or nanny / au pair?
When you submit your application, Ofsted will do background checks with local authorities, check your references, and give you a reference number.
For childminders, an inspector will check your identity and qualifications — including first aid qualifications — that your house and garden are safe for children; that you’re familiar with the early years foundation stage (EYFS) requirements and know how to put them into practice; and your level of English.
You’ll receive a certificate of registration if your application is approved. If it is rejected, you have the right to appeal.
Once you are recruited, you need to pay an annual registration fee, keep your details up to date, and report any major accidents.
For full details, visit: www.gov.uk/become-childminder-nanny.
