Becoming a registered childminder

Find out how to register as a childminder in Brighton & Hove.

What a childminder is

A childminder is someone who is registered either with Ofsted or a childminder agency, who provides care and education for children under the age of 8, in their own home for more than 2 hours a day.

A registered childminder can: 

  • care for a maximum of 6 children under the age of 8 - of these 6 children, 3 can be under the age of 5 and one can be under the age of one
  • provide wraparound care - before and after school for school-age children
  • create a nurturing environment for babies and toddlers
  • offer funded places to parents through the Early Years Free Entitlements (EYFE) government scheme for 2, 3 and 4-year-olds

About childminding

Childminding is a fantastic opportunity to build a rewarding career while working from your own home, community hall, or partnering with a local school.  

Childminding allows you to provide high-quality care and education in a nurturing environment, giving children a strong start in life. 

With the flexibility to set your own hours and the ability to shape your business to suit your strengths, becoming a registered childminder offers both professional satisfaction and financial stability in a high-demand industry. 

Rewarding career

  • Help children learn, grow, and develop in a safe environment  
  • Build close relationships with families and make a real impact  
  • Every day is different, filled with fun and creativity  
  • Offer wraparound childcare, looking after children of all ages before and after school and during the school holidays

Professional growth and support

  • Access to training, qualifications, and continuous professional development
  • Opportunities to specialise, such as SEND support and bilingual childcare
  • Support from local councils, childminding networks, and professional bodies
  • Expand by employing childminding assistants to care for more children at once

Independence and creativity

  • Be your own boss and shape your childcare business your way
  • Plan fun, educational activities based on your interests and strengths
  • Create a warm, nurturing environment that reflects your values

Job security and high demand

  • Families always need quality childcare, providing steady work
  • Many parents prefer a home-based setting
  • Childminding can be a long-term career with repeat parents or siblings
  • Once established, word-of-mouth business thrives 

Financial benefits

  • Potentially good earnings, especially in high-demand areas
  • Package of support for start-up
  • £600 Wraparound Childminder Start-up Grant to cover your start-up business costs

Flexibility and work-life balance

  • You can set your own hours to fit around family life
  • No commuting - work from home while earning an income
  • Choose the number and age of children you care for

Unique package of support and £600 start-up grant to kick start your business

If you register in Brighton & Hove, you can access a unique, personalised package of support which includes:   

  • 1:1 support from an experienced childminding development officer
  • £600 Wraparound Childminder Start-up Grant - to cover your start-up business costs
  • ongoing training and networking opportunities 

The Wraparound Childminder Start-up Grant is available to childminders who offer before/after school care and completed their registration between 31 March 2025 and 31 March 2027.

Childminder information sessions

Find out more about becoming a childminder at one of our monthly childminder briefing sessions.

Book your place on the next childminder information session. 

Ofsted

Find out about the Ofsted registration process for childminders and what documents you'll need.

Real stories from people working in early years and childcare

The Early Years Careers Campaign includes inspiring case study videos and blogs from real early years educators. Discover the real stories from early years educators making a difference, their way.

You can use the Early Years Careers Campaign website to:

  • hear what they have to say about where they work
  • find out what their role is like

You can also watch a short video called Discover the Freedom of Childminding by The Department For Education to learn more.

Contact us for more information about becoming a childminder

Early Years Team
  • eyc@brighton-hove.gov.uk

    • Contact the Early Years Team to find out about support and services offered to early years and childcare providers.

More information about Early Years Team