No sign-up. No catch. Just useful tools for UK childminders.
Enter a child's date of birth to see their EYFS age band and Development Matters range.
Check how many children you can care for based on EYFS statutory ratios for childminders.
The step-by-step process from deciding to become a childminder to your first inspection.
You must be 18+, have the right to work in the UK, and pass DBS checks for everyone over 16 in your household.
A paediatric first aid course, plus training that helps you understand and deliver the EYFS. You don't need a formal childcare qualification. Your council can point you to local courses.
Apply online to Ofsted, or register through a childminder agency instead. Ofsted charges a registration fee every year: £35 if you care for children aged 5 or under (or children of all ages), £103 if you only care for children older than 5. Check current fees on GOV.UK.
Enhanced DBS for you and household members over 16. Complete a health declaration booklet from your GP.
An Ofsted inspector visits your home. They check your environment, risk assessments, policies, and ask EYFS questions.
Once Ofsted approves your registration you'll receive your certificate, and you can start childminding.
Ofsted will inspect your setting after you register. Timescales and how early years settings are judged change from time to time, so check the current guidance on GOV.UK before you plan around a date.
Once you're registered, Policy & Play keeps you Ofsted-ready. Polly autofills your policies, generates activity plans, and prepares inspection answers — all from £14.99/month.
Try Polly free →