becoming
a childminder
Would
you enjoy being with young children during much of the week?
Do you have experience in caring for young children?
Well if you do, then maybe childminding is the job for you...
There are many points you must consider before applying to become
a registered Childminder. You need to consider the impact that
childminding will have on yourself, your partner and any other
children in your home. You need to consider the change in routine,
extra noise and how other children may react to having to share
their home, toys and your time.
Extra
children can mean additional wear and tear on furniture and
toys, childminders can not worry unduly about mess and clutter.
Equipment
such as toys, a cot, pushchair and a stair guard may also be
necessary. Childminders must provide multicultural toys, books
and an attitude which reflects the variety of cultures within
our society, meeting any specific needs regarding religious
persuasion, culture or linguistic background.
Any looking
after children under eight years of age, for more than two hours
per day and who are not the parents, or a close relative, for
a reward must register with Ofsted. The penalties for
illegal childminding are a substantial fine, imprisonment or
both.
When you
apply to become a childminder you need to have thought about:
• How you intend to provide a childcare service;
• The suitability of people who will care for the children;
• The suitability of the premises where the children will
be cared for.
You will
have to complete a medical record form, and all members of the
household over the age of 16 must have a police check.
The names and addresses of two referees will be required; they
cannot be family members or parents proposing to place children
in your care.
If you
do not own your own home you may need to get permission from
the owner of the property, e.g. your landlord or local authority
housing department. You will also need to ensure that
your normal home or building insurance covers you for running
a business from home. If you also employ someone to assist
or care for the children other than yourself, or you take on
work experience or students, you will need Employers Liability
Insurance also - you are best using the NCMA's own insurance
services for this as their products are tailored for the
needs and requirements of childminders.
You can
be registered for up to six children under the age of eight,
although not more than three of these will be under five.
These numbers must include your own children. The number of
children you are registered for will be written on your certificate
of registration provided by Ofsted.
Having
more children in your care than you are registered for, could
result in a cancellation of your certificate.
If you
do not have a valid certificate of registration, you cannot
legally care for children so it is vital tat you ensure all
insurances and registrations are kept up to date.
Application
Procedure and Registration
Initially, contact the Job Centre Plus Service, as funding other
than the Childminding Start-Up Grant may be available. They
will direct you to TRIO Childcare Connections Ltd (01793 849621)
who will provide you with all of the necessary information and
paperwork required, including an Ofsted application form. You
will need to go to an Ofsted childminder training session.
You will
need to sign yourself up for two courses. Firstly you will need
to complete the ICP which is an Introduction to childminding
and secondly you will need to take a first aid course. You will
be able to claim both of these expenses back through your start-up
grant as long as you keep the original receipt(s).
Also in
the introductory pack will be paperwork offering the services
of a mentor placed within your local area who can offer you
dedicated support and assistance whilst you are preparing to
become a registered childminder. Some of the childminders
in Little Acorns are registered GEM'S who may be called upon
to be your mentor.
When Ofsted
receives the completed pack, you will be contacted to arrange
a date for an initial inspection of yourself and your home.
They will need to see and sign your CBS police check sheet so
you need to ensure you have received this back before arranging
a date for Ofsted's visit.
When Ofsted
have all the information they need from the health checks and
police checks on all persons aged over 16 living on the property,
they will issue your certificate.
You are
not permitted to start childminding until you have the certificate.
First
Aid Training
To meet Ofsted's National Standards, all childminders in England
and Wales are required to undertake and pass a first aid course
which includes training in first aid for young children when
they register. This should ideally be taken while you are registering,
but definitely within 6 months of receiving your registration
certificate. This course must be recognised by your local authority.
Wiltshire Collage run first aid courses as do the St John's
Ambulance and Switch.
After Registration
Registered Childminders must keep records regarding the children
in their care. These should include:
• Childs name
• Home address and telephone number
• Name of guardian/carer
• Childs date of birth
• Parent/carers place of employment and telephone number
• General practitioners name, address and telephone number
• A record of accidents and injuries
• Medication records
• A daily attendance register
The NCMA
Startup Pack contains all you will need to start up your childminding
business. It has contracts, record sheet, medical books, accounts
book, registers, and a fire blanket for your kitchen. The
produce a standard contract which registered childminder's can
use. It also contains public liability insurance cover in case
of an accident whilst you are caring for other people's children.
You must also check to see whether you need to pay income tax
or national insurance, these both depend on the amount of profit
you make over a specific sum. Therefore, it is important to
keep accurate business records in order to complete your yearly
Self Assessment Tax Form.
Start Up Grants
These are available to all new childminders. They cover
the cost of your
-
ICP
training and first aid training
-
NCMA
start up pack ( you do not need to send any money for this.
It will be paid for directly from TRIO)
-
£100.00
for start up expenses, such as toys, stair gates, safety
covering for glass. You must keep original receipts though.
Please contact TRIO Childcare Connections Ltd for information
on these.
Notifying Changes
If you cease to provide a service, in addition to informing
Ofsted you also need to inform TRIO Childcare Connections Ltd
so that your records can be deleted from their database, and
avoid unnecessary mail being sent to you. Your local Inland
Revenue Tax Office should also be informed.
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