Thinking of becoming Wandsworth childminder? You need to attend two free Childminder briefing sessions. At these sessions you can find out more about childminding and start the registration process. The latest set of dates can be found below.
Childminders are self-employed and must be registered with Ofsted if they look after children under 8 years of age. This means they are inspected by Ofsted and have had an Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before they start childminding. Childminders who look after children 8 years and over can choose to register with Ofsted, on their voluntary register.
To become a registered childminder you also have to:
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attend a training course, such as "Home-based Care: Understand how to set up a home-based childcare service";
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have a First Aid qualification for Babies and Children (Paediatric First Aid);
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have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
The Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY) has more information on their website.
Childminder briefing sessions - Session 1
(Please note that for sessions taking place at the Town Hall it is advisable to arrive at the Old Town Hall entrance through the fountain car park, as the sessions are in this building, not the Town Hall Extension)
At the beginning of session 1 there will be a basic skills test in literacy and numeracy.
Please note that the session begins promptly at 9:30am. Anyone arriving after 9:30am will not be able to join the session.
More dates will be added in due course
Childcare support
All children under 6 months are welcome to briefing session 1 only, and there will be space for a pushchair next to you. Please ensure you have all infant food and resources you will need for the length of the briefing session.
If you have children over 6 months, then you will need to make arrangements for them to be cared for during this time.
Session 2
Session 2 is a follow up session. You will be invited to this session if you have passed the literacy and numeracy test. Through the session you will get a closer look at becoming a childminder.
Please note that babies and children cannot attend this session. You will need to make arrangements for them to be cared for during this time.
More dates will be added in due course.
Reminder
If you have any questions, please don’t forget to ask the tutor. You will also get help with filling in the Ofsted application forms
Contact details for additional information:
Childminding team
Tel: 020 8871 7899 (option 2, and then option 4)
Email: childmindingservice@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk