In England, you can choose to register as a childminder through Ofsted or an agency.

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For Ofsted, they have provided a useful briefing (which can be viewed as a PowerPoint or a PDF document) that provides lots of information about the legalities, requirements and the application process to help you understand what you need to do:  

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​Become a childminder: pre-registration briefing - GOV.UK​

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​If you decide that you would like to register as a childminder through Ofsted, here's a link to the online application form:​​

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​​Register as a Childminder (England)

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​​​​​​For agencies, you can find a list of them here so you can have a nosey at what each of them offers and decide if this route if right for you:​

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​Childminder agencies: list of agencies - GOV.UK

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​​Please note that some agencies are national, whilst others only work in specific areas that are local to their headquarters.  If you decide that you you would like to register as a childminder an agency, you need to do this directly through them.  

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It's also worth contacting your local authority's 'Early Years Team' as they maybe able to offer further support with the registration process, for example offer childminder network meetings or they may provide training. 

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To get in touch with your Early Years Team, call your local authority's main switchboard and ask to be connected or search their website for an emails address.  Sadly, increasing responsibilities and dwindling budgets means that whilst councils are doing their best, they may not be able to offer extensive childminding support, but it's always worth checking!