Becoming a childminder
Childminders can look after children of all ages in their own home and on non-domestic premises. If you love working with children, it could be the ideal career for you.
Becoming a childminder will allow you to:
- run your own business.
- fit your business around your lifestyle.
- support the children that you care for to grow and develop.
- quality care that meets the needs of families.
- become part of the childcare community in Southend.
You will need the following qualities:
- an understanding of, or a desire to learn, how children learn and develop.
- commitment to professional development by attending on-going training.
- ability to work in partnership with parents/carers and other professional agencies.
- ability to run your own business by keeping good records to ensure its viability.
- Find out more about becoming a childminder as well as tips from those already running a successful childminding business.
- Find out the costs involved in registering.
- Check out this short video about childminding.
Are you thinking about becoming a childminder in Southend?
Come to one of our free sessions. The session will help you decide if childminding is right for you.
- Find out what is involved to register with Ofsted or to register with a childminder agency as a childminder.
- Find out about the EYFS and other training.
- Find out about Southend Council planning advice if you are setting up a childminding business in your home.
Upcoming dates:
- Wednesday 27 August 2025 9:30am to 11:00am
- Tuesday 23 September 2025 10:00am to 11:30am
- Friday 9 January 2026 10:00am to 11:00am
- Tuesday 10 March 2026 1:30pm to 3:00pm
- Wednesday 10 June 2026 9:30am to 11:00am
To book a session or if you have any questions please email jadefernandes@southend.gov.uk or deboratotomoukouo@southend.gov.uk with your preferred date and time from the list above, and you will receive a Microsoft Teams meeting invitation.