How do I become a childminder? Local authority make it sounds like Im tied to them somehow.

[IBlameThePMT]

I want to start childminding and Im sure there is a process to go through so I phoned the Family Information Service for info. They said I have to go on a couple of orientation days first and then do an 8 week course...but the first orientation day they offer isn't until mid July. That seems a bit of a wait. Am I somehow tied to my local authority? I have seen loads of stuff on-line for courses that claim to give you the basic qualification to be able to childmind. Will that do in fact?

I guess my question is, whats the best way to get started, so that I could maybe be set up for September? or am I perhaps being unrealistic?

We are tied to our local authority where we are, but when my DH could not get on a course, they told him he could do the course in a neighbouring authority. Have a chat with yours and ask if they have any kind of partnership agreement with one of their neighbours, who could get you on a course earlier.

You aren't 'tied' to your LA but you do need to complete the ICP or LA equivelent, yes I suppose you could do it elsewhere if the opportunity arose. Go to the pre-reg breifings, there should be CDO's (childminding development workers) there who can answer your questions.

In my area ICP's only run twice a year and I think there are only 4 pre-reg briefings annually.

Its not just the ICP you need to do, its a 12hr pedeatric first aid course, your medical checks have to go through and your CRB application (for all persons over of the age of 16 living on your premises) - CRB apps are what can take ages and ages. It wouldn't be impossible to be set up for September but you cannot bank on it. Ofsted will also come out to you for a pre-reg check (check the home, you etc).
I think the average time it takes to register is approx 6-9 months.

Its also advisable to book on other training such as safeguarding and whatever else your LA offers that is appropriate but I would throughly recommend safeguarding.
You will need (in accordance with your LA) to probably register with environmental health.

Check out www.childmindingforum.co.uk

It would be a good idea to star
t 'learning' the EYFS (if you don't already know it) as well.
A good link eyfsforchildminders.webnode.com/

good luck

I thought about doing mine with an online company so that I could get started by September. In the end I decided against it as the local ICP courses know more about what the inspectors in your area expect and they have lots of local resource information that a non local company would (I assume) not be as clued up on.

If you're quite pro-active then this might not matter or if you already know some CMers? I started the process in April and had my certificate in mid October. I had to fight really hard to get it done so fast and also was already registered with Ofsted as a nanny so had a CRB (my partners took ages!).

HTH, good luck!

Thanks everyone, thats all really useful to know. Perhaps I could at least crack on with the CRB checks then. September really is sounding a bit optimistic tho. Drat.