Ofsted have clarified exactly what qualifications they expect childminders to have depending on the register.

It is document reference number 100160 on the Ofsted website.

If you are not sure which registers you are on, you can check on the Ofsted website by putting your registration number into the search bar.

EYFS / Early Years Register...

Training within 6 months of registration on a local authority approved course;

First Aid certificate from an approved local authority course, which meets the statutory requirements of the EYFS (12 hour paediatric).

First Aid must be in place at the point of registration.

Childminders working with assistants

The assistant must have a First Aid certificate if s/he has permission to be left alone with the children.

Someone with a First Aid certificate must be with children at all times, including on outings.

However, an outing is not classed as a school collection.

Childcare register – compulsory part

Training within 6 months of registration on a local authority approved course;

An appropriate First Aid certificate. The meaning of 'appropriate' is clarified in the document.

Childcare register – voluntary part

As the compulsory part of the childcare register AND

At least one person caring for children, from the day of registration, has either:

- a qualification at a minimum of level 2 in an area of work relevant to the childcare, or

- successfully completed training in the core skills as set out in the document Common Core of skills and knowledge for the children’s workforce.

There is no given date for having a level 2 or common core qualification in place for the voluntary register...

The document says that for new childminders it must be in place from the start of registration.

For reference these are the ages which relate to the 3 registers...

For children aged 0 – 5 years you will be inspected on the Early Years Register

For children aged 5 – 7 years you will be expected to show you are complying with the regulations contained in the Compulsory Childcare Register

For children aged 8 plus, you will be expected to show you are complying with the regulations contained in the Voluntary Childcare Register

Hth :D

Thank you sweetie xx

Thank you xx

Thank you:)

Thank you Sarah!

hi sarah, a friend of mine has just done her icp and told me that all childminders must do nvq level 3 by 2012, ive never heard this, do you know if this is right?
thanks for the above info as well!

hi sarah, a friend of mine has just done her icp and told me that all childminders must do nvq level 3 by 2012, ive never heard this, do you know if this is right?
thanks for the above info as well!

That is a requirement that has been around for a long time but the date keeps getting pushed back.

I think it's 2015 atm ... I'm sure someone will correct me if I am wrong!

It does, if you think about it, make a mockery of the system when you need higher qualifications to look after over 8s (level 2) than you do to care for babies (ICP).

The list at the top of the thread is current requirements :D

I've just been reading this post, and not sure what prompted me to check it out, but have suddenly realised that the requirements for the voluntary part are quite strict in terms of qualifications. I'm now completely confused...!!!!

On one website I read that the ICP course was enough to begin with, and proving you have the skills and knowledge. Other sites say you have to have a level 2 qualification. The lady who came to see me twice from the council hasn't mentioned a qualification, she knows I've taken the ICP course (but my paperwork was never sent for marking!!!!) and didn't bat an eyelid when I told her I've got over 8s starting with me.

Am I doing something illegal to take over 8s???? I'm gobsmacked that we need to be qualified for the older children, yet the vulnerable babies.... ??? I have two families about to sign contracts, one with an 8 year old, one with a 9 year old..... now I daren't!! lol. HELP!!!!!!!!

Thank you :)
xxx

I suggest you check out the Common Core skills.

You might well be qualified with those :D

I was told by my DO that the Common Core Skills are covered by the ICP

Hi all
I have just spoken to Ofsted and they have said...We only need the common core skills or level 2 IF we are ONLY registering as a new childminder and ONLY for over 8's. If we are registering for both registers our ICP/DHC will cover us.

Hope that helps, and if anyone hears any different please do let me know

Jac xx

Thanks for the replies, I've spoken to my adviser at the council this morning, after a near-sleepless night, lol! I was SO worried I'd done something illegal!! She's confirmed that the ICP covers it, although my paperwork never arrived to be marked because of the stupid woman who invigilated my exam :angry: so I have no qualification at the moment, but our local authority has said they'll put it in writing that I've undertaken the course and waiting to do another exam.

Phew, what a massive relief!! I've got an 8 year old here tonight, and two contracts to be signed, and was suddenly thinking I'd done something terrible and would have my registration taken off me!! lol. Panic over. One day maybe it'll all sink in and I won't feel like I'm a nervous wreck :rolleyes:

Thanks again.xxx