Becoming a childminder

• Have you thought about registering as a childminder

• Would you like to work in your own home?

• Would you like to work hours to suit your own family?

If you are considering becoming a childminder, contact the Family Information Service.You will be invited to a free two hour “Is childminding for me session?” followed by a “briefing session”.

The initial session provides you with all the relevant information that you need to know before deciding if childminding is actually for you. The following session provides excellent advice on the Ofsted registration process and informs you about the various help and support you will receive throughout your training and after registration.

Once you decide to become a childminder, you will need to attend an Introduction to Childcare Practice (ICP) Course which is unit 1 of a level 3 qualification, for which there may be a booking and resources fee. The course runs for eight weeks, with a one two hour taught session each week, normally held during the evening. The course covers the following topics:

• Introduction to the Early Years Foundation Stage, observation and play activities
• The welfare requirements, policies, and health and safety procedures
• Helping children to settle into your childminding setting, establishing relationships with parents
• Positively managing children's behaviourSafeguarding/child protection
• The business and marketing side of childminding
• Inclusion and equal opportunities

For further information and to book your place on an "Is childminding for me session?" please contact the Family Information Service. Please note that numbers on the sessions are limited.