Working in Childcare

Becoming a Childminder in Southend

Childminders can look after children of all ages either in their own home or on approved non-domestic premises, if they are registered on the appropriate register.  

 

They are either registered with Ofsted or a Childminding Agency and can work with up to 3 other people (or 4 if registered on non-domestic premises), including other registered childminders or employed assistants. 

 

There are 2 different registers you can join depending on the age of the children you will be caring for: 

  • Early Years register- children up to the age of 5 

  • Childcare register- children from 5 to 8 years old 

 

Childminders that are registered on the Early Years register must follow and adhere to the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework (EYFS) for childminders and can offer government funded early education places. 

 

Childminders usually look after three children under the age of 5, only one of whom can be under the age of one. However, exceptions to this ratio may be made under certain circumstances, such as to care for their own child or provide continuity of care for siblings. In all cases, a childminder must not care for more than 6 children under the age of 8 years at any one time. 

 

Childminders can also offer out of school wrap around and school holiday care. 

 

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 

  • Shape your work around your lifestyle and family 

  • support Southend children to grow, learn and thrive 

  • offer high quality care that meets the needs of local families 

  • be part of a supportive childcare community here in Southend 

 

What our children need from you: 

  • a knowledge and understanding of how they learn and develop  

  • a commitment to providing the quality care that meets their needs 

  • a passion for providing them with nurturing and inspirational environments 

  • the ability to support their individual growth and development 

  • work together with the Family, Early Years and Childcare Service at Southend City Council with a commitment to professional development by attending on-going training 

  • a commitment to working in partnership with families and other professional agencies 

  • the ability, commitment and drive to run your own business by keeping good records to ensure its viability 

 

You will need the following to register: 

  • appropriate First Aid training 

  • Safeguarding knowledge 

  • knowledge of the EYFS  

  • Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check 

  • health declaration form through your GP 

 

I am interested in becoming a childminder in Southend, what do I do next? 

Come to one of our free sessions. The session will help you decide if childminding is right for you 

  • find out about the EYFS and other training 

 

Upcoming dates: 

  • 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. 

 

 

Once you are registered

You are warmly invited to join our Childminding Induction Programme. Please contact jadefernandes@southend.gov.uk or deboratotomoukouo@southend.gov.uk to find out more.

Find out about training opportunities and other support available to you from the Family, Early Years and Childcare Service on the Southend Learning Network including Early Years business support. 

 

Be part of something big!  

Work in early years and childcare