There is a wide range of job opportunities available when it
comes to working with children. The ranges of jobs available are
from Teaching assistant, Childminding to Toy library worker. There
are also various means of enhancing your job prospects, through a
degree, training or even voluntary work.
For more information on the different types of jobs in childcare
and training available:
Download the working with children booklet
(764kb)
Becoming a childcare provider
There are a number of ways to become a childcare
provider, such as opening day nurseries, nursery classes and
nursery schools. Any group that offers childcare for over two hours
in any one day must be registered by the Office for Standards in
Education (Ofsted) before they can open. Applications for
registration currently take three months for Sessional care
and six months for full day care. You should have the
following information to be able to open a childcare provision:
business plan, find out the need for childcare in the area, find a
suitable premises, you know about Ofsted registration and
guidelines and finally what funding is available. Contact the
Family and Young People's Information (FYI) Service on 020
7332 1002
or email
us for the National standard guides in opening childcare
provisions.
Becoming a
childminder
To become a childminder contact your FYI (see details
below) who will tell you about your nearest information session.
You will be given an application form to register with OFSTED (the
Office for Standards in Education, the government inspector of all
early years, childcare and education). You have to have your home
inspected regularly by OFSTED to make sure it’s safe and suitable
for young children. OFSTED will also tell you how many children you
can care for. You must have first-aid training for babies and young
children. You must be checked by the Criminal Records Bureau, as
must everyone over the age of 16 who lives or works at a
childminder's home. Finally, you must take introductory training
within six months of registering as a childminder.
For more information please call the Family and Young People's
Information Service on 020 7332 1002
or email
us.
For information on childminding in general, call the NCMA
freephone information line, tel 0800 169 4486 or visit the
NCMA
website.