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I want to work or volunteer in childcare

Quick links Parent involvement - Find out how you can participate in your child's childcare experience

I think I'd like to work in childcare. Is it possible to volunteer at a childcare setting first to see if I like it?

If you have a child in childcare, ask your childcare provider whether there are any opportunities for you to volunteer. Find out more about participating in your child's childcare experience.

If you don't have a child in childcare, you can contact your local Family Information Service or Volunteer Centre to ask about volunteering in a children's centre or other local childcare setting.
 

I want to become a childminder. How do I go about it?

The first step to becoming registered as a childminder is to attend a no obligation pre-registration briefing session in your area where you can learn more about the registration process.  These no obligation sessions are usually arranged by the Early Years team or Family Information Service (FIS) at your local authority. You can get contact details for your local Family Information Service in England by using this 'Find your FIS' function or searching in your local phone book. For details of your local FIS in Wales, contact 0300 123 7777. 

The National Childminding Association (NCMA) will also be able to give you information and advice about becoming a childminder in your area.  For details of your local NCMA office contact them on 0800 169 4486.

Childminders in England are required to be registered and inspected by Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills) and in Wales by Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales.  

I'd like to set up a nursery/pre-school/out-of-school playscheme. What would I need to do?

There are a number of organisations who should be able to help you with setting up. As a start you can contact the Early Years Team at your local authority to find out whether there is any local funding or support for new providers. To get in contact with your local Early Years Team, contact your local Family Information Service (FIS). You can get contact details for your local Family Information Service in England by using this 'Find your FIS' function or searching in your local phone book. For details of your local FIS in Wales, contact 0300 123 7777. 

Depending on the type of service you want to set up, there are organisations who might be able to offer further information and support, which include:

• National Day Nurseries Association - 01484 407070.
• Pre-school Learning Alliance - 020 7697 2500.
• 4Children - 020 7512 2100.
• Out of School Alliance - 01638 744056.

If you care for children aged five and under, you will need to join the Ofsted Early Years Register in England or be registered with Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales.  In order to do this there are many regulations regarding staffing, adult to child ratios, care frameworks, health and safety etc to satisfy. For further details you should speak to the Ofsted Registration advice line on: 0845 601 4771 or visit: www.ofsted.gov.uk/childcare. In Wales, you will need to call your local CSSIW office or visit: www.cssiw.org.uk.

I'd like to set up a parent and toddler or grandparent and toddler group. How do I get started? 

Toddler groups are places parents or grandparents can take their children and stay and play with other families. If you would like to set up a toddler group in your area, there are a number of organisations that should be able to help you. 

• Your local Family Information Service may be able to tell you about other groups that are running in the area, and may be able to offer support setting up a new group.
• Pre-school Learning Alliance offers information and support to parents interested in starting a baby or toddler group. They can be reached on 020 7697 2595.
• The Grandparents' Association provides support to grandparents who would like to find or set up a grandparent and toddler group. They can be reached on 0845 434 9585.

Since children will be staying with their parent or grandparent during the toddler group, you will not need to register with Ofsted or CSSIW.

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