Many people who want to work with children decide to do so in their own homes. This is called childminding. Registering as a childminder is a long process that will take approximately 6 months. Before you start the registration process we would recommend that you complete this form and take some time to think of any questions that you have and write them here.
The first step in the process is to attend the Initial Assessment (Literacy & Numeracy) This tests your basic skills. You need to pass this before being able to attend the Pre-registration course. If you do not pass the Initial Assessment we will refer you for extra support to enable you to attend a course at a later date.
The Childminder Pre-registration course costs £200.00. It lasts 4 weeks and you must attend ALL sessions. The dates of the courses are here.
Once you have completed the 4 week course you are NOT yet registered to childmind. You will have 6 months to register with Ofsted. To do this you must have completed (the cost of these is included in the cost of the Pre-registration course):
Business Support Training
You will also receive a Home Safety Visit to check that the property is suitable for minding and to look at home safety (stairgates, fire-guards, plug socket covers, etc) You, and anyone aged 16 or over who has regular access to your property, will need Criminal Record (CRB) Checks.
If you are interested in registering as a childminder then contact Walsall FIS and the Duty Officer will go through the process with you further and send you out an information pack.