If you want to become an Ofsted registered childminder, and you live in Surrey, then the Childminding Team in Surrey Early Years and Childcare Service can help.
A registered childminder is someone who:
- looks after one or more children under the age of eight
- for more than two hours a day
- for reward on domestic premises (other than the child's home). Domestic premises normally means your own home and reward can be money or payment of any kind
- is registered with Ofsted (not being registered can lead to prosecution).
Questions
Select a question from the list below and it will move you to the answer within the page
Who doesn't need to register?
You do not need to register as a childminder if you:
- are a parent or relative of the child you are looking after
- have parental responsibility for the child
- are a local authority foster parent in relation to a child
- are a foster parent with whom a child has been placed by a voluntary organisation
- have fostered a child privately
- are only looking after a child between the hours of 6pm and 2am
- are looking after a child wholly or mainly in the child's own home
- are looking after children for two sets of parents wholly or mainly in the home of either or both sets of parents.
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Do I need any qualifications or training?
No. You do not need any formal qualifications but to register you do need to do a local authority approved registration course and have a current (less than three years old) 12 hour
paediatric first aid certificate. In Surrey our approved registration course is the free 18 hour Childminding Introduction Programme (ChIP). We will accept current first aid certificates for relevant recognised first aid training. You will need to update your first aid training every three years.
Find out more about qualifications in early years and childcare and the training bursaries available.
What help is available?
The Childminding Team can answer your questions and help you get started. You will need to go to a
childminding briefing meeting to find out more and get your Ofsted application pack. You can get a free
childminder registration support package. And our Childminding Team are here to help and support you once you are registered and up and running.
How do I register as a childminder?
You need to go to a
childminding briefing meeting to make sure childminding is right for you and to get an application pack.
Do I have to pay to become registered?
Yes. There is a registration fee and then an annual fee.
How long does it take to become registered?
Normally within 12 weeks of Ofsted getting your form. They will tell you if there is a delay.
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How many children can I look after?
You can look after up to six children under the age of eight, including your own children. No more than three children can be under the age of five, and no more than one child can be under the age of one.
Ofsted may make an exception if you want to care for more than one child under the age of one from the same family, for example twins. You will need to check with Ofsted first.
The space available in your home could affect the number of children you are registered for.
Find out more
Email childmindingenquiries@surreycc.gov.uk or call 01372 833833 and ask to talk to the Childminding Team.
