Careers in early learning and childcare

Become a childminder

Childminders look after other people's children in their own home. They provide flexible individual childcare in a home environment, and link with other services in the community such as pre-schools and schools. They can also take children to parks, playgrounds and libraries.

Registration

To become a childminder you must, by law, register with the Care Inspectorate. If you offer a childcare service in your own home for more than 2 hours a day for children under 16, you must be registered.

Register a childminding service (Care Inspectorate website)

Business Gateway

Business Gateway Midlothian can help with the process of becoming a childminder, including how to set up as a new business, and with a childminder start-up grant of up to £250.

Training

Training is available for new childminders or those in the process of registering. There are also courses in First Aid, Food Hygiene and Child Protection.

• Scottish Childminding Association
• HMRC answer your questions on tax, National Insurance, business records and expenses.

For the next training dates, contact the Childcare Information Team: