Childminders

What do childminders do?

• Childminders look after other people's children in their own home. They can provide flexible individual childcare in a home environment as well as linking with other services in the local community such as pre-schools and schools. They can also take your child to local parks, playgrounds and libraries.
• They must be registered by the Care Commission and copies of inspection reports are available from the Care Commission website.
• They are registered for payment by childcare vouchers or the Childcare Element of Working Tax Credits.

What can childminders offer?

Flexible hours, part time or full time, term time and holidays, to suit you and your child's commitments and can look after children of all ages.

How do I become a childminder?

To become a childminder you must, by law, register with the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care, the Care Commission. Anyone offering a childcare service in their own home for more than two hours a day for children under 16 years must be registered.

The Registration Process

The registration process is wide-ranging and rigorous, involving references, training, a health assessment, and a police check on the prospective childminder and every other adult over 16 in their household. The prospective childminder's home is also inspected to ensure it is a safe and suitable environment for children. More information can be found on the Care Commission website.

It takes approximately three months to become registered but please don't be put off by the thought of undertaking this process as help is readily available from SCMA. We have a dedicated member of staff working within your area to advise and support you.

After Registration

Following registration, the Care Commission carries out an annual inspection to monitor standards and premises. Childminders must show how they meet the criteria stated in the National Care Standards for Early Education & Childcare up to the age of 16. SCMA publishes a guide called Meeting the Standards which helps childminders assess their own work in relation to the national requirements.

Training for Childminders

SCMA pre-registration training may also be available in your area. This training allows you to make an informed choice that childminding is the right career option and equips you with all the knowledge you will require to complete the application process.

For further information contact the Childcare Information team or visit the Scottish Childminding Association website.

A list of local childminders can be found on the Scotthish Childcare website or by contacting the Childcare Information Team.

• Scottish Childcare website 
• Care commission
• Scottish Childminding Association