What would I actually need to do to register as a childminder

[Rubirosa]

My local FIS has given me a huge (and expensive!) list of courses to attend/things to do in order to become a childminder (eg an info session, a briefing session, a childminding course, a first aid course).

I already have a childcare qualification, plus first aid/safeguarding/food safety. Do I have to do the official courses or can I just register anyway?

I have just registered and found it quicker and easier to do direct with Ofsted - you can print all the documentation required off the website. If your first aid is current and fits the required criteria then I don't think you'd have to do another one. I'm doing the CYPOP5 course online through the NCMA and I am fully registered even though I haven't finished the course yet. I would check with Ofsted regarding your childcare qualification, but I suspect they may want you to do the childminding specific one. Good luck with it - the requirements are confusing initially but if you jump through the hoops one at a time, you'll get there eventually!

The only thing you need before registering is first aid; check with Ofsted that they are happy with the qualification you have.

You currently have six months after registration to complete a course "satisfactory to your local authority", but note that this is changing in September so that you have to complete the course before registering.

Find out about the requirements for registering and apply on line here the longest part of the process is a CRB check and Ofsted won't start this until you have applied, so if you wait until you have been to the LA's briefing and done their introductory course it can delay registration substantially.