Looking at Becoming a Childminder in West Berkshire?

If you are considering registering as a Childminder in West Berkshire, before you apply to OFSTED, you need to consider the requirements to be Ofsted compliant.

In West Berkshire we do offer our own approved pre-registration childminding course, please contact us to put your name down for the next available course. If the timing is not convenient we can also refer you to neighbouring local authorities who also offer courses or suitable on-line options. Certain childcare qualifications may exempt you from the requirements of pre-registration training, please check with us beforehand.

When looking for courses you may wish to reflect on a number of considerations:
• Can you attend a classroom based course or would you prefer online access?
• Will it prepare you sufficiently for your Ofsted registration visit?
• Can you access further information once you have completed the course?
• Does it offer value for money?
You will find information in our links about national and local organisations that offer pre-registration childminding courses.

What is a Childminder?

Childminders are professionals who provide care and early education for children in their own home. Working at home provides childminders with the flexibility to determine their own working days and hours. Having said that; the majority of childminders work between the hours of 7.30am and 6.30pm, with some also offering overnight or weekend care.

There is a legal requirement for childminders to be either:

  • Registered independently with Ofsted or
  • Registered with an Ofsted registered childminder agency ( Currently in West Berkshire all childminders are independently registered with Ofsted).

As a registered childminder you will:

  • Offer the children you care for a secure and stimulating environment.
  • Provide early years education and watch the children you care for develop

What are the Benefits?

 

  • The Flexibility of being able to set your own working hours and decide how many children you look after (within Ofsted's guidelines).
  • You are your own boss.
  • Job satisfaction from assisting parents with the learning and development of their young children.
  • Being Self Employed and working to fit in the needs of your own family life.
  • Professional status with the opportunity to develop further qualifications in your own time at your own pace.
  • Able to register with West Berks Early Years Team to offer 15 or 30 hours funded placements for eligible 2, 3 and 4 year olds.
  • No childcare or work related travel costs for yourself.

What you need to do to become a registered childminder

  • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check - before submitting your application to Ofsted you must complete a DBS check. A DBS check must be completed for everyone over 16 who lives or works on the premises. You can also join the DBS update service to maintain a valid check.
  • Safeguarding - you must attend safeguarding training that enables you to understand, identify and respond appropriately to signs of possible abuse and/or neglect. The course content must meet the requirements as stated in the EYFS framework (page 16). For further information, visit West Berks Local Safeguarding Children's Partnership.  Safeguarding and Child Protection courses are available through West Berkshire Council and also private training providers.
  • First Aid - before registering with Ofsted you must hold a suitable Paediatric First Aid qualification, the full PFA course should last for a minimum of 12 hours (excluding breaks) as stipulated in the EYFS Framework (P.36)·
  • Health Declaration - You need to complete and submit a health declaration booklet
  • Insurance - You must have valid Public Liability insurance in place before working with children.

Special Educational Needs (SEN) Code of Practice

The Equality Act 2010 sets out the legal obligations that schools, early years providers, post-16 institutions, local authorities and others have towards disabled children and young people:

  • They must not directly or indirectly discriminate against, harass or victimise disabled children and young people.
  • They must not discriminate for a reason arising in consequence of a child or young person’s disability.
  • They must make reasonable adjustments, including the provision of auxiliary aids and services, to ensure that disabled children and young people are not at a substantial disadvantage compared with their peers. This duty is anticipatory – it requires thought to be given in advance to what disabled children and young people might require and what adjustments might need to be made to prevent that disadvantage.

Local Offer

The Local Offer is where you will publish information about your setting in relation to identifying and supporting children with special educational needs and/or disability (SEND).

If you choose to register to receive Early Years Funding for 2, 3 & 4 year olds, this will be a requirement for you to complete as part of your Provider Agreement with the Council's Early Years Team. If you choose not to offer the funding you can still provide this information as good practice. For further information regarding the Local Offer please contact the West Berkshire Family Information Service. Email: fis@westberks.gov.uk , click on the 'contact us' link at the top of the page or Tel: 01635 503100 .

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