👶 UK Childminding Hub

Comprehensive guide for childminders · Updated for 2026 regulations

Ofsted Registration

✅ Complete an Ofsted registration application online via GOV.UK
✅ Pass a DBS check (enhanced disclosure) for you and anyone over 16
✅ Complete Paediatric First Aid training (mandatory, renewed every 3 years)
✅ Register with Ofsted or a CMA — cannot operate until registered
✅ Notify Ofsted/CMA of changes within specified timeframes
✅ Expect a pre-registration visit
⏱ Typical timeline: 12–16 weeks

CMA Registration

✅ Register with a Childminder Agency instead of Ofsted
✅ CMA handles quality assurance visits
✅ Must still meet EYFS and safeguarding standards
✅ CMAs provide ongoing support and mentoring
✅ Parents check registration via Ofsted website
✅ Switching between Ofsted/CMA possible
💡 List of approved CMAs on GOV.UK

EYFS Framework

✅ Statutory Framework is mandatory for all providers
✅ Covers learning, development, safeguarding and welfare
✅ Seven areas of learning must be delivered
✅ Includes assessment requirements — progress check at age 2
✅ Must be available from day one of operating

Insurance & First Aid

✅ Public liability insurance — strongly recommended
✅ Paediatric First Aid — 12-hour Ofsted-approved course
✅ PFA renewed every 3 years — set a reminder!
✅ Consider business interruption insurance
✅ PACEY offers discounted member insurance
✅ Keep certificates on display

15 Hours Universal

3 & 4 year olds

✅ 570 hours per year (15h × 38 weeks)
✅ Available to all 3 and 4 year olds
✅ Starts term after child turns 3
✅ Can be taken flexibly
Rate set by local authority

30 Hours Extended

Working parents

✅ 1,140 hours per year (30h × 38 weeks)
✅ Eligible working parents of 3 & 4 year olds
✅ Both parents must work 16+ hrs/week
✅ Apply via GOV.UK childcare service
⚠️ Reconfirm every 3 months

15 Hours Disadvantaged

2 year olds

✅ 570 hours for eligible 2 year olds
✅ Families on income support / Universal Credit
✅ Also looked-after children
✅ Check via GOV.UK or local authority
💡 Some LAs offer Pupil Premium

📌 Funding Rates 2025–2026

Funding rates set by each local authority based on DfE guidelines. Childminders claim through their LA portal. Rates vary by area. You can charge a top-up for consumables if agreed in your contract.

New Report Cards System

✅ New report cards replacing the old Outstanding/Good framework
✅ More granular breakdown across multiple areas
✅ Parents see specific strengths and weaknesses
✅ Assesses: education quality, behaviour, personal development, leadership
✅ Safeguarding assessed as effective/not effective — overrides other grades

What Inspectors Look For

✅ How well children learn and develop
✅ Quality of teaching and interactions
✅ Behaviour, engagement and self-regulation
✅ Personal development and healthy lifestyles
✅ Policies, self-evaluation and improvement
✅ Safeguarding compliance

📌 Inspection Readiness Tips

• Keep Safeguarding Policy up to date and share with parents
• Maintain daily diary / observation notes for each child
• Have EYFS statutory framework on hand
• Complete a Self-Evaluation Form (SEF)
• Ensure PFA certificate and training records are current

🛡️ Safeguarding & Welfare

✅ Designated safeguarding lead in place
✅ Enhanced DBS checks for all staff
✅ Paediatric First Aid certificate — current
✅ Safeguarding policy shared with parents
✅ Safe, secure premises
✅ Legal ratios: max 6 under 8, 3 under 5, 1 under 1

🎓 Learning & Development

✅ Prime: Communication, Physical, PSED
✅ Specific: Literacy, Maths, World, Arts
✅ Balance adult-led and child-initiated play
✅ Support characteristics of effective learning
✅ 7 areas through planned, purposeful play

📊 Assessment

✅ Progress check at age 2
✅ Share with parents and professionals
✅ Identify early support needs
✅ Baseline assessment at start
✅ Ongoing observations inform planning

🛡️ Safeguarding Policy

Reporting concerns, whistleblowing, allegations against staff.

😊 Behaviour Management

Supporting positive behaviour without physical punishment.

♿ SEND Policy

Identifying and supporting children with additional needs.

🏠 Health & Safety

Risk assessments, fire safety, food hygiene, accident reporting.

😷 Illness & Medication

When to exclude, administering medication, consent forms.

🤝 Complaints

Formal procedure for parents to raise concerns.

🔒 Data Protection

GDPR — collecting, storing, sharing personal information.

🎒 Settling-In

Transitioning children into your setting.

🌳 Outings

Trips, risk assessments, ratios, emergency plans.

👶 Contract

Hours, fees, notice periods, holidays.

🍎 Food & Nutrition

Healthy eating, allergies, meal planning.

📸 Photography

Photo consent, social media, privacy.

🚗 Transport

Car seat safety, insurance, consent.

📋 Equal Opps

Inclusion — no discrimination.

🌙 Naptime

Safe sleeping for babies, rest for older children.

📞 Emergency

Fire evacuation, contacts, first aid supplies.

👪 Parent Partnership

Communication, progress sharing.

🗓️ Activity Planning

EYFS-linked planning, adult/child-led balance.

📘

Donya's Daycare on Facebook

Follow for childminding tips, daily activities, EYFS ideas, and community updates.

facebook.com/Donyasdaycare →

💬

Childminder Groups

Join local childminder networks and Facebook groups for peer support and sharing.

📋

Free Downloads

Templates for contracts, daily diaries, accident forms, observations — coming soon.

GOV.UK — Childminder Guidance

Official information on registering, running, and closing a childminding business.

EYFS Statutory Framework

The complete framework — mandatory for all early years providers.

Ofsted — Find Reports

Search inspection reports and check provider registration.

PACEY

Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years.