Hi all!

I'm new here so I'm very sorry if I'm repeating other peoples queries.
I've just finished my OFSTED application form online, and it just says 'initiated'. I wasn't sure if they get in contact with me or if I have to do something else? Child minding is a whole new playing field for me as I've always worked in retail and just coming to the end of my college placement (level 2 in childcare). I have also worked in a play group for a year now.

Also *if it's not too much trouble* can someone enlighten me on what I have to do to qualify? I understand I have to have a safe environment, and a first aid kit, and stair gates, but that's about it! I heard I might have to have insurance but I don't even know what kind :blush: Do I have to get it all sorted before an interview takes place? Or do I wait until they come over for them to tell me what to have?
I'm so sorry but I'm getting so flustered and nervous, and I haven't even heard from them! hehe

Any information would be very much appreciated :) Thank you in advance, I'll be working all day tomorrow so won't be able to reply until the evening xxx

You need to do an introduction to childminding course - normally organised by your local authority - before you can apply to ofsted, get your CRB check, have a medical check etc.

You also need a first aid certificate (paediatric 12 hour) before asking Ofsted to come out and do your pre-registration inspection.

First step is to give your local people a ring and find out about courses.

Don't forget to let us know how you get on! :D

Hello, and welcome :thumbsup:

I didn't do it the same way you have, so not sure if ofsted will write to you to confirm, but knowing them, I doubt it :laughing:

Have you contacted your local council to see if they run any childminder courses? Try going to your local families information service, or your early years department.

Mine did a 'childminder briefing' where they went through the process of what we would be required to do, out of the 30 or so attendees, only 14 of us decided to carry on once we heard what had to be done, and by the 3rd week there were only 9 of us left :laughing:
They also ran the CYPOP5 course which lasted 12 weeks, and included the paediatric first aid - Ofsted requirement to have your first aid certificate
On the course we had to submit assignments to show that we understood what we were learning, but it also made writing risk assessments, policies and procedures much easier too

I didn't have to pay for these courses, but I know a lot of funding has been cut in many areas so you may need to pay
Insurance is also an OFSTED requirement, but it's not expensive, but you won't need it until you have had your inspection and become registered.

You also need to be aware of your LA (Local Authority)'s procedure on safeguarding, and with the new EYFS coming into force in September, we are just about to receive more training with regard to the changes.

HTH
H

Thank you both SO much! I'm going to give the council a call on monday morning *first day off in weeks hehe* and see how they can help me with the courses :) Fingers crossed I power through it like you did, I can't believe it started out with 30 attendees and finished with 9 :P I'll definately be letting you know how I get on, and again thank you so much for the info! xxx