The Childminder's Corner
Policies, EYFS, Ofsted inspections, and the day-to-day reality of running a registered childminding business in England.
· 4 min read
What is new at Policy & Play: October 2026
Photo activity sheets, 29 new seasonal ideas, inspection tools rebuilt for the current Ofsted toolkit, corrected forms and one simpler member menu.
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EYFSEYFS changes from September 2026 – what do they mean for settings?
· 2 min read
September 2026 EYFS updates: safeguarding, sleep, DBS and screen‑use changes for childminders and small nurseries.
Running your businessAfter school club compliance UK: a childminder's guide
· 4 min read
After school club compliance UK explained. Which Ofsted register applies, ratios for over-fives, and the policies and records to keep ready.
InspectionOfsted or a childminder agency: which should you register with?
· 4 min read
Childminder registration explained. Direct Ofsted registration vs childminder agencies, typical checks, training, inspections and how to choose your route.
FundingFunded childcare hours for childminders: how it works
· 3 min read
Funded childcare hours for childminders in England. Local authority provider agreements, parent information and the paperwork you need to claim.
Running your businessChildminder Paperwork Checklist: Every Document You Need (and What You Don't)
· 5 min read
The complete paperwork checklist for UK childminders — daily records, Ofsted documents, parent forms, and how Polly fills every one.
SafeguardingChildminder Policies & Procedures: Which Ones You Need
· 4 min read
Which policies a UK childminder needs under the September 2026 EYFS, what each must cover, and why they don't have to be written down — but usually should be.
Running your businessBecoming a childminder in the UK: costs, checks and what comes next
· 3 min read
How to become a registered childminder in England in 2026: eligibility, the £35 Ofsted fee and other costs, DBS and first aid, the registration visit and what comes after.
InspectionOfsted Inspection Questions for Childminders: 2026 Guide
· 7 min read
What Ofsted inspectors actually ask UK childminders in 2026 — the real questions, how to answer them, and how to prepare confidently.
EYFSEYFS Activity Ideas for Childminders: 25 Ready-to-Use Plans
· 8 min read
25 EYFS-aligned activity ideas for UK childminders, split by age band. Each includes learning outcomes, materials, and observation prompts.
SafeguardingChildminding House Requirements: The Essential UK Guide
· 12 min read
Everything UK childminders need to know about house requirements: safety, space, risk assessments and how to meet Ofsted standards.
Settling inSettling In: Helping Child and Parent Feel Safe
· 3 min read
A good settling-in period builds trust for years. Here's how to structure those early visits so both the child and their family feel genuinely secure.
Running your businessDaily Diaries That Save You Time at Pick-Up
· 3 min read
Daily diary updates don't have to eat into your day. Here's how to structure them so they're quick to write and genuinely useful for families at pick-up.
SafeguardingHow to Write a Behaviour Policy Parents Actually Read
· 3 min read
Most childminder behaviour policies go unread. Here's how to write one that's clear, honest, and sets the right tone with families from the start.
EYFSFive EYFS Activities Ready in Two Minutes Flat
· 2 min read
Short on prep time? These five EYFS-aligned activities take two minutes to set up and cover key areas of learning across the Early Years framework.
InspectionGetting Ofsted-ready: a calm checklist for childminders
· 3 min read
A practical, reassuring checklist for UK registered childminders preparing for an Ofsted inspection — what to have ready, what inspectors look for, and how to feel prepared.