Making the Leap

Is Childminding for Me?

Thinking about a career in childminding can be both exciting and a little daunting, and it's perfectly normal for someone to have lots of questions - like what training is needed, what a typical day looks like, or how to balance the emotional rewards with the responsibilities.

That’s where the Making The Leap Collection becomes an invaluable - especially the 'Is Childminding for Me?' Space.

It’s a welcoming environment where aspiring childminders can explore real-life experiences, get honest answers, and connect with others who’ve walked the path.

Whether they’re just curious or seriously considering the leap, the Hub helps them make a well-informed decision grounded in facts and the shared wisdom of a supportive community.

Where to Start?

As someone begins the journey of becoming a childminder in the UK, it's natural for them to have plenty of questions - like how to register, what training is required, what the legal responsibilities are, and how to set up a safe and welcoming environment for children.

It can feel overwhelming at times, but that’s where the Friendly Childminders Hub truly shines. It’s a warm, supportive space filled with practical advice, real-life experiences, and clear guidance to help them navigate each step whether they are in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Whether they’re just starting out or deep into the process, the Hub offers trustworthy information and a community of people who’ve been there, making it easier to make confident, informed decisions.

registration process website long (3).png

Registration Processes

Each country within the UK has its own registration process.

In England, aspiring childminding applicants typically register with Ofsted or a childminder agency, ensuring they meet safety and quality standards.

In Scotland, registration is handled by the Care Inspectorate, with a focus on delivering high-quality care services.

In Wales, applicants must register with Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW), and in Northern Ireland, the Health and Social Care Trust oversees the process.

That’s where the Friendly Childminders Hub comes in. There are dedicated Spaces to support members with the process in each country, providing practical advice and relevant information.

For those looking to learn more about the processes, it's worth having a nosey at the informative pages the founder has written for the website about Joining the Profession, which features a section for each country in the UK.

Pre-Registration Visits

The final step to becoming a childminder is a pre-registration visit that takes place at the applicant's home or the setting where they will be working from!

It's their chance to shine and show that they have the right knowledge, paperwork and plans for a safe environment to nurture and educate the children they come to care for.

The inspector is there to;

Assess suitability - to evaluate whether the applicant is suitable to care for children.
Check readiness - to ensure the childminder has the necessary knowledge, environment, and documentation to begin providing childcare.
Confirm compliance - to check the applicant understands and can meet the requirements of their country's statutory paperwork, for example the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework in England.

It's natural for applicants to feel nervous about this, but they should remember that everyone who became a registered childminder has been in the same position. This is where the Friendly Childminders Hub comes in. There are dedicated Spaces to support members with the pre-registration visit for each country in the UK, providing practical advice and relevant information about what is needed and what to expect.

In the Safeguarding Collection, there's a Space for Safeguarding Questions so members can ask and add content about things that may be asked in both pre-registration visits and inspections.