How to Become A Childminder

To become a registered Childminder in Monmouthshire, please read our handy 10 step guide set out below:
 
1) Attend a Childminder Briefing Session 
 
Before becoming a childminder,  you are required to attend a childminder briefing session, which will cover your roles and responsibilites, inspections, marketing, the local childcare market etc and give you an opportunity to ask questions and find out more.  Our next scheduled Briefing Sessions are:
 
Wednesday July 31st 2013, Wednesday September 25th 2013, Wednesday November 20th 2013, Wednesday January 29th 2014, Wednesday March 12th 2014.
 
All will take place at 6pm at Monmouthshire County Council Office, Innovation House, Wales 1 Business Park, Magor, NP26 3DG.  The briefing session lasts for approximately one hour.  Please ring Hannah Parker, The Family Information Officer on 01633 644527 to book a place at any of these sessions.  Please note:  The sessions may be cancelled if places are not filled and attendees will be asked to attend the next scheduled session.

2) The CYPOP 5 Childminding Course 
  
You need to complete a 15 hour, online childminding course before you can become a childminder, regardless of any other qualifications you may have.  Monmouthshire County Council will pay the cost of this course for you through the Monmouthshire Early Years department.  Once you have attended the briefing session, please email susanhall@monmouthshire.gov.uk with your name, address, telephone number, email address and date of birth included.  Monmouthshire Early Years will then arrange the details with the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY - formerly NCMA).  You will receive log in details via email and instructions for completing the course.   Read about the course for Childminders here. You can also read all the requirements in the National Minimum Standard for Childcare Provision document below. More information about the course is available by contacting PACEY on 0845 880 1299 or paceycymru@pacey.org.uk 
 
 3) Complete the training
The CYPOP 5  training course can be completed in your own time. It may take several weeks or as long as a year depending on your pace. PACEY occasionally run a CYPOP 5 class you can attend instead of completing the course online.  We will inform of these when we know them. 
 
4) Become a First Aider
To become a childminder, it is a requirement to have a first aid certificate. Monmouthshire Early Years currently uses Gwenddwr Training.  Please contact them to book on a first aid course or to be added to the waiting list.  There will be no charge to attend Gwenddwr Training's courses provided you are training to become a childminder within Monmouthshire.   You are also welcome to organise your own first aid training. First Aid Training course details can be found here. Monmouthshire Early Years may be able to contribute to the cost of these first aid courses.  Please contact susanhall@monmouthshire.gov.uk with details of the training course and any cost implications to discuss full or part payment. 
 
5) Register as a Childminder
By law, you are required to register your childminding service with the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW). They will inspect your home and individuals living with you (over the age of 16) and with issue you with a CRB check.   When you are ready to register as childminder, you can apply online and find regulations, guidance and information.  Alternatively, you can contact CSSIW on 0300 062 8757.
 
6) Receive your Start-Up Grant
Contact Monmouthshire Early Years on 01633 644527 to receive your application form for a childminder start-up pack or download the application form below. Monmouthshire County Council will pay for your 1st year's membership to NCMA which includes public liability insurance and a fire blanket.  You will also be reimbursed up to £100 for start up equipment such as stair gates or car seats.  Please keep your receipts and send them to Monmouthshire Early Years, Floor 2, Innovation House, Wales One Business Park, Magor, NP26 3DG and please include your bank account number and sort code for reimbursement to be sent via bank transfer. 
 
7) Food Hygiene
It is not a requirement to have a food hygiene certificate as a registered childminder, but it is highly recommended. It is up to you to source your own food hygiene training course.
 
8) Advertise your Childminding Service for Free
Monmouthshire Family Information Service (FIS) provide information to the public about childcare available in their area. Contact the FIS on 01633 644527 / info@monfis.org.uk to receive a form for you to complete your details about opening hours, charges per hour etc. Choose to advertise on this website and in hard copy parent guides.  The Family Information Service also needs your details to inform the Welsh Government in the annual Childcare Sufficiency Assessment. 
 
9) Join the Childminding Network
There is now an online community group (on a site known as Yammer) where registered childminders in Monmouthshire only can exchange ideas, ask questions, organise local events and receive information. Send your e-mail address to info@monfis.org.uk to receive an invitation to the group.
 
10) Working as a Childminder
CSSIW will be in close contact with you as you work as a childminder, inspecting you every two years to check that you are achieving minimum standards. Your first aid certificate will need to be renewed every three years as will your CRB disclosure and your food hygiene certificate.
 
If you have any other questions about registering as a childminder in Monmouthshire, please email info@monfis.org.uk or call 01633 644527.