Essential Adminstration

Statutory Government Documentation

Childminders across the UK must comply with statutory documents that have been issued by their individual governments - this is a legal requirement that underpins their entire childminding businesses.

These documents are essentially 'rulebooks' that childminders have to follow and will be judged against at their inspections.

This Space contains information about these statutory documents for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and links are included to the websites where childminders can access them.

This Space also provides a place to discuss the contents of the documents - get advice on the wording and support with understanding - and connect with others.

Images taken from the mobile version of the Hub.

'Non-Negotiables'

The statutory frameworks for each country in the UK are 'rulebooks' that childminders must comply with and will be judged against during their inspections.

But, how do those frameworks translate to practical and compliant tasks and paperwork that must be completed to ensure childminders are fulfilling their legal requirements?

This is where this Non-Negotiables Space can help! It's purpose is to provide information and support so childminders can connect with each other and find ways that work for them, ensure they are ticking those non-negotiable boxes and completing those necessary tasks!

Inspections

For many childminders, the word "inspection" can spark anxiety - but it really doesn’t need to.

Stories of difficult inspections tend to circulate like tales of bad restaurant experiences: the worst ones stick, while the everyday or positive ones fade into the background.

The Hub has been intentionally designed without a dedicated inspection collection, because inspections represent just a tiny fraction of a childminder’s work. For someone working full-time across the year, a five-hour inspection every four years amounts to just 0.058% of their professional time.

Inspections do matter, and it's natural to feel nervous. But with a clear understanding of the statutory framework, solid strategies for the essentials, and purposeful practices that reflect the setting’s values, childminders are already doing the right things—every day, not just on inspection day.

This space is here to support open, respectful conversations about inspection experiences - whether past or upcoming. It’s a place to ask questions, share advice, and connect with others who understand.