how long does it take to become a childminder?

[helsi]

where & how should someone start the ball rolling? does a cm need a garden to qualify to be one? any advice please.

i did 12 week training course which inc childminding standards, business side and first aid..was all free and provided by surestart.
then did a business course with agency called focus, which was also free(and you get paid or doing it!)
once your have dont standards and first aid, you then need to have police checks, ofsted come to check on you and your home(gardne not a must as you can explain what other outdoor activities you can provide..parks etc)..then once they are happy you can begin..think the whole checks etc take about three months??someone else will no better than me cos i cant get reg until we move..go for it..good luck!

where would be the first port of call then to get the ball rolling? ie who should I contact? I am attending an info evening in July and a making choices course in August.

thats prob the first step..contact your local surestart if you have one or child information service in your area..they can tell you what you will need to do to get ball rolling

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I think CIS (childcare Information service) are your best bet ((as Evesmama said)

They are \link{http://www.childcarelink.gov.uk/whitebox/postcodesearch.asp?Intro=1\here} see if you can get the tel no for your local area