Becoming a Registered Childminder

Do you have a passion for working with children? Do you have enthusiasm and a commitment to ensure children reach their potential in all areas of learning and development? If so, why not consider a career as a childminder.

A childminder is a person who works in their own home looking after at least one child for more than two hours per day to whom they are not related.


The Early Years Team, Hull City Council, are here to help you build your business as a self employed childminder, and will continue to provide guidance and support throughout your childminding career. 

Number of children you can care for:
  • you can care for up to 6 children under 8 years at any one time depending on your available space:
       - no more than 3 children aged from birth to 31st August following their 5th birthday
       - usually no more than 1 child under 12 months
       - if you have children under 8 years of your own, they must be included in the ratios


To become registered you need to:
  • access an Ofsted Briefing session
  • attend a 12 hour Paediatric First Aid course
  • attend safeguarding children training (A Shared Responsibility) with the Hull Safeguarding Children Partnership
  • apply for DBS checks and register with the updating service for everyone aged 16 years or over who lives with you or works from your address
  • provide 2 references
  • complete and submit a health declaration form which is countersigned by your GP
  • complete a Home Safety Checklist to identify equipment needed to keep children safe
  • you must register with Ofsted or a Childminding Agency if you are paid to look after children under 8 years old for more than 2 hours a day in your home
  • if registering on the Early Years Register, you must have good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This is a set of Government requirements that all providers must meet for children from birth to the 31st August following their 5th birthday. The EYFS covers age appropriate learning and development; children’s assessment and progress and safeguarding and welfare.
Registration timescale: 
  • registering with Ofsted usually takes a minimum of 12 weeks after receipt of your application, but timescales can vary


Would you like an informal chat about becoming a childminder in Hull?

Please contact the Family Information Service.

Email: fis@hullcc.gov.uk / Telephone: 01482 318 318