Childcare in the UK

 There are many types of childcare, and any responsible parent will want the best for their child. They'll certainly want peace of mind and the secure knowledge that they've made the right decision for a long relationship, so if you want to enter this field of work, it's worth considering some basics before you set out on what can be a testing and tiring career.

 Are you patient? Are you empathetic? What age group are you happiest caring for? Are you able to care for a child who has issues?

 You don't need any formal qualifications to become a childminder, but you do need to be aged eighteen or over. If you want to care for children under eight for more than two hours a day, you'll need to register with Ofsted and, in order to do so, you'll usually need a childcare qualification like the Level 3 Award Preparing to Work in Home-Based Childcare (or equivalent) and a basic first aid course. You'll have to be on the Early Years Register and/or the Childcare Register, hold an up-to-date paediatric first aid certificate, be Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checked and complete an introductory childcare course.

Childminders care for children, usually in someone’s home — either the childminder’s own home or maybe someone else’s, but rarely the child’s own home. The Early Years Register is compulsory, if you're planning on caring for young children until the child has reached the end of the reception year in school.

 The Childcare Register comes in two parts: caring for 5-7 years and for childminders caring only for children over 8 years . Once you are registered, your details will be published on the Ofsted website, where you'll have the option of whether your name and address are published or just your Ofsted Unique Reference Number. As you progress through your childminding career, your Ofsted inspection reports will also be available to view on the Ofsted website. This is important, as many parents will read these before choosing their childminder.

 Childminders can care for up to six children under the age of eight years. If children aged four and five only attend the childminding location before and/or after a normal school day, and/or during school holidays, they may be cared for at the same time as three other young children. Normally only one baby under one year of age can be cared for. These numbers include a childminder's own children and any children they are responsible for, such as foster children.

What will it cost to set up as a childminder?

 All childminders in England must be registered with Ofsted, insured and periodically inspected. In Wales childminders are registered with CSSIW (Care and Social Services Inspectorate), and in Scotland they're registered by the Care Commission. Registration currently costs £35 a year for the Early Years register and Childcare Register, and £104 if you just want to join the Childcare Register and care for over-fives. Importantly, you will have to register with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) as a data handler, and this currently costs £35 a year. All of the above can be completed online.

 The cost, availability and length of course will depend on what is provided by your local authority, and the DBS check for English and Welsh childminders costs £53, plus £13 annual update fee. You'll also need a DBS check for anyone aged over sixteen who lives on your premises. In Scotland, childminders are required to complete a check by Disclosure Scotland, currently costing £25. You'll need a medical check, and your doctor will charge you a fee for completing your Health Declaration Booklet and returning it to Ofsted. Also, you must complete a 12-hour paediatric first aid course, for which costs may vary. As to the rest — advertising, marketing, equipment and facilities (such as home improvements and repair) are important factors to consider.