👶 UK Childminding Hub

Comprehensive guide for childminders · Updated for 2026 regulations

🚀 Getting Started

Everything you need to register and operate as a childminder in England.

Ofsted Registration

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

CMA Registration

✅ Choose to register with a Childminder Agency (CMA) instead of Ofsted
✅ The CMA handles quality assurance visits instead of Ofsted inspections
✅ Must still meet the same EYFS requirements and safeguarding standards
✅ CMAs provide ongoing support — mentoring, training, and business advice
✅ Parents can still check your registration status via the Ofsted website
✅ Switching between Ofsted and CMA registration is possible with proper notice
💡 List of registered CMAs available on GOV.UK

EYFS Framework

✅ The Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage is mandatory for all early years providers in England
✅ Covers learning and development requirements — seven areas of learning
✅ Sets the standards for safeguarding and welfare of children
✅ Includes requirements for assessment — the progress check at age 2
✅ Must be available and followed from your first day of operating

Insurance & First Aid

✅ Public liability insurance is strongly recommended (not mandatory but parents expect it)
✅ Paediatric First Aid (PFA) training is a legal requirement — 12-hour course, Ofsted-approved
✅ PFA must be renewed every 3 years — set a calendar reminder!
✅ Consider business interruption and contents insurance for equipment
✅ PACEY offers discounted insurance packages for members
✅ Keep certificates on display and copies in your policies folder

💰 Funding & Entitlements

Government-funded childcare entitlements for eligible families (2025–2026 rates).

15 Hours

3 & 4 year olds (universal)

✅ 570 hours per year (15 hours × 38 weeks)
✅ Available to all 3 and 4 year olds
✅ Starts the term after the child turns 3
✅ Can be taken flexibly across the year
Funding rate: provider-dependent, set by local authority

30 Hours

Working parents (extended)

✅ 1,140 hours per year (30 hours × 38 weeks)
✅ Available to eligible working parents of 3 & 4 year olds
✅ Both parents must work (or sole parent) — typically 16+ hours/week at minimum wage equivalent
✅ Apply via GOV.UK childcare service — get a code, give to your childminder
⚠️ Must reconfirm eligibility every 3 months

15 Hours

Disadvantaged 2 year olds

✅ 570 hours per year for eligible 2 year olds
✅ Criteria: families receiving income support, Universal Credit (under threshold), or other specified benefits
✅ Also available to some looked-after children and post-adoption
✅ Check eligibility via GOV.UK or your local authority
💡 Some LAs offer additional early years pupil premium

📌 Funding Rates 2025–2026

Funding rates are set by each local authority based on DfE guidelines. Childminders claim funding through their local authority's portal. Rates vary by area — check with your local council for the exact hourly rate. The DfE national average funding rate for 3 & 4 year olds for 2025–2026 is published on GOV.UK. You can also offer funded hours at a higher rate than the government funding if parents pay a top-up (for consumables, meals, etc.) — this must be agreed in your contract.

📋 Ofsted & Inspections

What to expect from the new inspection system (2026).

New Report Cards System

✅ Ofsted has introduced a new report cards and grades system replacing the old "Outstanding / Good / Requires Improvement / Inadequate" framework
✅ Report cards provide a more granular breakdown of provider performance across multiple areas
✅ Parents can see specific strengths and weaknesses rather than a single overall grade
✅ Inspectors assess: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management
✅ Safeguarding is assessed as effective or not effective — if not effective, it overrides other grades

What Inspectors Look For

✅ How well children learn and develop — are they making progress from their starting points?
✅ The quality of teaching — interactions, activities, and how you adapt to each child's needs
✅ Behaviour and attitudes — children's engagement, relationships, and self-regulation
✅ Personal development — promoting independence, healthy lifestyles, and cultural awareness
✅ Leadership and management — your policies, self-evaluation, and continuous improvement
✅ Safeguarding — are you meeting the statutory requirements and keeping children safe?

📌 Inspection Readiness Tips

• Keep your Safeguarding Policy up to date and share it with parents
• Maintain a daily diary or observation notes for each child — evidence of progress matters
• Have your EYFS statutory framework on hand — inspectors will check you know it
• Complete a self-evaluation form (SEF) — reflect honestly on strengths and areas for improvement
• Make sure your PFA certificate and other mandatory training records are current and visible

📚 EYFS Framework

The Early Years Foundation Stage — statutory framework for early years providers.

🛡️ Safeguarding & Welfare

✅ Designated safeguarding lead must be in place at all times
✅ All staff/assistants must have enhanced DBS checks
✅ Paediatric First Aid certificate — mandatory and current
✅ Clear safeguarding policy and procedures shared with parents
✅ Premises must be safe, secure, and suitable for children
✅ Food hygiene and dietary requirements must be properly managed
✅ Legal ratios: no more than 6 children under 8 (including your own), max 3 under 5s, max 1 under 1

🎓 Learning & Development

✅ Prime areas: Communication and Language, Physical Development, Personal, Social and Emotional Development
✅ Specific areas: Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World, Expressive Arts and Design
✅ Plan activities that balance adult-led and child-initiated play
✅ Support children's characteristics of effective learning — playing and exploring, active learning, creating and thinking critically
✅ Observe and respond to each child's individual needs and interests
✅ The 7 areas of learning must be delivered through planned, purposeful play

📊 Assessment

✅ Progress check at age 2 — a written summary of your child's development in the prime areas
✅ Must be shared with parents and, where appropriate, other professionals (health visitors, etc.)
✅ Helps identify early signs of additional support needs so referrals can be made promptly
✅ Baseline assessment when a child starts with you — note their starting points
✅ Ongoing observations and assessments to inform planning and track progress
✅ EYFS Profile completed in the summer term of Reception year (school-based for most)

🔗 Useful Links

GOV.UK — Childminder Guidance

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

EYFS Statutory Framework

The complete framework document — mandatory for all early years providers in England.

Ofsted — Find Reports

Search for inspection reports and check provider registration status.

PACEY

Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years — training, insurance, and support.

Tax-Free Childcare Account

Government top-up of 20% on childcare costs (up to £2,000 per child per year).

30 Hours Free Childcare

Eligibility checker and application portal for the 30 hours extended entitlement.

Childminder Agencies (CMAs)

Information on registering with a CMA instead of Ofsted, including a list of approved agencies.

Early Years Funding 2025–2026

DfE publications on early years entitlements, funding rates, and local authority allocations.

📄 Policies & Documents

Essential policies every childminder should have in place. Keep them organised, reviewed annually, and share with parents.

🛡️ Safeguarding Policy

Covers procedures for reporting concerns, whistleblowing, and allegations against staff. Must be reviewed annually and shared with parents.

😊 Behaviour Management Policy

How you support positive behaviour and manage challenging behaviour without physical punishment.

♿ SEND Policy

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities — how you identify, support, and work with outside agencies for children with additional needs.

🏠 Health & Safety Policy

Risk assessments, premises safety, fire safety, food hygiene, and accident reporting procedures.

😷 Illness & Medication Policy

When to exclude children with illness, how to administer medication, recording and consent forms.

🤝 Complaints Policy

Formal procedure for parents to raise concerns. Ofsted requires a written complaints procedure.

🔒 Data Protection Policy

How you collect, store, and share personal information — GDPR compliance for childminders.

🎒 Settling-In Policy

How you help children and parents transition into your setting — staggered starts, visits, and parental involvement.

🌳 Outings & Risk Assessments

Procedures for trips, including risk assessments, parent permission, ratios, and emergency plans.

👶 Childminding Contract

Written agreement with parents covering hours, fees, notice periods, holidays, and all key terms of the relationship.

🍎 Food & Nutrition Policy

Healthy eating guidelines, dietary requirements, allergies, meal planning, and food hygiene records.

📸 Photography & Social Media

Consent for taking and sharing photos, use of social media, and children's right to privacy.

🚗 Transport Policy

If you transport children — car seat safety, insurance, consent, and record-keeping.

📋 Equal Opportunities Policy

How you promote inclusion and ensure no child or family is discriminated against.

🌙 Naptime & Rest Policy

Safe sleeping practices for babies, rest arrangements for older children, and individualised routines.

📞 Emergency Procedures

Fire evacuation, emergency contacts, first aid supplies, and emergency closure plans.

👪 Parent Partnership Policy

How you communicate with parents, share progress, hold reviews, and involve them in their child's learning.

🗓️ Activity Planning Policy

How you plan and evaluate activities linked to the EYFS seven areas of learning, balancing adult-led and child-initiated play.