Childminding is both a rewarding and intellectually stimulating career choice, encouraging childcare professionals to learn new and exciting skills from the very beginning of their career journey. Here we discuss all you need to know about training and qualifications to become a childminder. From finding a course that suits your needs to the kind of learning content you can expect to encounter.
What training do I need to be a childminder?
When registering to become a childminder, you will require a childcare qualification as well as training in safety and safeguarding. If you already have an Early Years qualification, you may not need this training, however, it may be helpful to do the training. Many courses cover specific modules on creating successful and safe childminder settings which may be inspiring.
At a minimum, to register as a childminder you’ll need:
- A childcare qualification (approved by your local council)
- A paediatric First Aid Certificate (12-hour course)
- Training in food hygiene
- Training in safeguarding children
How to find a training course
There is no one size fits all or set childminding course. We recommend giving your local council a call or checking out their website to see the types of courses accepted in your local area.
If you are applying to the Early Years Register, make sure it encompasses the Early Years Foundation Stage framework (EYFS). Look out for terms such as ‘Level 3 CPD Accredited and Ofsted Approved’ when searching for your course.
Recommended Childminding training providers include:
If you are applying for the Childcare register only, you will need to do Common Core Skills Training or a Level 2 Childcare qualification. ChildmindingUK, MNT Training, and London School of Childcare studies all have courses available.
For Paediatric First Aid Courses, the EYFS states that training should be a nationally approved or accredited first aid qualification. Recommended providers include:
What sort of things will I be learning?
Each childcare training provider will have a slightly different approach, however, all will encompass teaching the EYFS. Modules could include:
- Understanding and implementing the EYFS in your childcare setting
- Children’s mental and physical development
- Safeguarding children
- Learning techniques
- Managing your childcare setting
- Food hygiene and safety
- Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in your childcare setting
- Promoting positive behaviour
- Fire safety and risk assessment
- Children’s daily routine
First aid training will encompass learning such as:
- Helping with choking, bleeding, sickness, fever, unresponsiveness etc.
- Using a defibrillator
- Medical emergencies such as diabetic emergencies, asthma attack, concussion, swallowing harmful objects, seizures, severe allergic reactions etc.
How long does training take?
Childcare training is usually from distance learning and therefore can slot easily around your current responsibilities and life. Depending on how busy your current schedule is, the course can take anywhere from 1 week to a month. Many providers have 4-6 modules, ranging from 1-3 hours of work per module. Some providers assess progress with quizzes and small assessments, whereas others have no formal form of assessment.
To register on the Early Years Register, a First Aid course must be at a minimum of 12 hours. Usually, training providers will encompass a from distance learning element of the course, in which you will watch videos and take part in online exercises to learn the foundations of first aid. This is followed by a day-long in-person training, in which you will learn essential practical and hands-on skills such as resuscitation and anti-choking techniques.
At Yoopies, we recommend that you start your training as soon as possible to avoid a waiting list for courses and to get your registration sent off to Ofsted as soon as possible. To find out more about registering with Ofsted have a look at how to become a childminder guide.
At Yoopies we are here every step of your childminding journey, from registration right up to finding your perfect clients. Advertise your childminding services for free on the platform!