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.
How many children can you 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.
What do I need to do to become registered?
- 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.
How long does it take to register?
- Registering with Ofsted usually takes a minimum of 12 weeks after receipt of your application, but timescales can vary.