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.
Paediatric first aid (12 hours) + early years training or Level 3 qualification. Most councils offer local courses.
Register online via the Ofsted portal. Pay £35 (childcare register) or £103 (early years register). Processing: ~12 weeks.
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.
If successful, you'll receive your registration certificate within a week. You can now start childminding.
Ofsted inspects all new childminders within 30 months of registration. You'll be rated Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate.
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 →