Registering as a childminder in Hammersmith & Fulham

What does a registered childminder do?

Working from your own home, as a childminder you will work in partnership with parents to care for their children. Childminders have an active weekly programme, which enhances all areas of children's development. This means attending childminder drop-in sessions, local libraries and child-friendly outdoor facilities.

Childminders can be registered for a maximum of six children under the age of eight, including their own children. As a self-employed childminder, you can also be your own boss and set your own hours and rates. Often childminders can continue to receive benefits while working.

There is no minimum or maximum age to register as a childminder, as long as you can show Ofsted, the registering body, you are a suitable and fit person. 

Benefits of becoming a childminder in Hammersmith & Fulham:

• FREE training provided by the early years service, including introduction to childminding practice, first aid, safeguarding children and health and safety
• Resources are available to help you set up your business. This will include toys and books which reflect the diverse cultures in the community, membership of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) which includes insurance, fire blanket and all necessary resources within a childminding toolkit 
• Membership of a local childminder network with individual support from the local childminding network co-ordinator  
• Free advertising of your vacancies to parents looking for childcare.             

Who do I register with? 

All childminders must be registered with the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) and will have a health and criminal records check as part of the registration process. However, you will start the registration process and be supported by your local council's early years development team. 

Next steps 

To receive an information pack and to attend the next termly childminder information session contact the Family Information Service (formally the Children's Information Service) on 0845 313 3933 (calls charged at standard rate) or email cis@lbhf.gov.uk. 

If you do not live in Hammersmith & Fulham

If you want to become a registered childminder and do not live in Hammersmith & Fulham you will be supported with your registration by the council early years team in the borough or county in which you live. To be put through to your local early years service/Childrens Information service call 08000 960 296 or visit www.childcarelink.gov.uk