Support for early years providers – Herefordshire Council

Becoming a childminder

What is a childminder?

A childminder is a person who receives payment for working in their own home, looking after at least one child (aged under 8) for more than 2 hours a day. A childminder may employ assistants who can be left alone with the children from no more than 2 hours a day (with parental permission).

For more information see the government's Become a childminder or nanny page.

Become a childminder in Herefordshire

In Herefordshire there are many families with young children who need quality childcare services. That's why we're looking for childminders who can provide a safe and nurturing environment for children in their homes. If you love working with children and have a home that is suitable for childcare we want to hear from you. Being a childminder is a rewarding job that can make a real difference in the lives of young children providing the building blocks for future learning and education alongside enabling you to work from home and to meet your own family's needs.

We can provide advice and support to help you through the process of becoming a childminder, and with the launch of the new childminder grant scheme, new childminders can apply for a £600 grant when registering with Ofsted or a £1200 grant when registering with the Childminder Agency. So if you're interested in becoming a childminder email today at earlyyears@herefordshire.gov.uk We're here to help and support you.

What is a nanny or home child carer?

Nannies are also known as home child carers and look after children of any age in the child's own home.

Childminders and childcare providers: register with Ofsted.

Childminders and other adults working together on domestic premises

You will need to register as a daycare organisation if you are working with three or more adults at the same time and the children are looked after in someone's home, either your home or someone else's. This is known as providing childcare on domestic premises. You can either apply to register with Ofsted as a provider of childcare on domestic premises, or you can register with a childminder agency instead.

Apply to register your nursery or other daycare organisation

List of childminder agencies

Costs and grants

For information on initial costs relating to registration fees, DBS and training and insurance see the government's Become a childminder or nanny page.

Eligible new childminders can apply for a start-up grant to recover the cost of registering as a childminder.

The government has information about the childminder start-up grant scheme.

Requirements for running a business

You may also need to contact the following agencies to see if you will be able to meet other requirements that may apply once you are running your business:

Fire safety
Planning permission and building control
Information Commissioner's Office
Food Standards Agency

As a registered childminder you must register as self-employed with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) within three months of starting work.

For further guidance on running a business you can refer to Hempsalls Business Support Toolkit and PACEY Business Smart.

Additional information related to Ofsted

Additional information related to starting a business

Additional information related to funding

Further advice

For pre-registration advice and any further queries, please email earlyyears@herefordshire.gov.uk