Professional working with families
Childcare Sufficiency
The Childcare Act 2006 and subsequent Childcare Act 2016 place a duty on local authorities to report annually on how they are meeting their duty to secure sufficient childcare.
Sufficient childcare means securing the right type and volume of provision, so far as is reasonably practicable, for working parents or those undertaking training with the intention of returning to work, for children aged 0 - 14 (up to 18 for a disabled child).
There is also a separate, but linked duty, to secure sufficient early years provision, so that families can access their free early education entitlement (570 hours per year over a minimum of 38 weeks for some 2 year olds and all 3 and 4 year old children).
Pathways to registration (becoming a childminder)
As a potential childminder, there are a few facts that may be of interest to you. The ever considered childminding leaflet explains the advice and support available to you to help you become a registered childminder and run a successful childcare business.
If you are interested in becoming a childminder you will need to first attend a Local Authority approved Advisory session where you will learn more about childminding and the Local Authority approved childminding course that you will need to go on.
For more information and to book a place on the next Local Authority approved Advisory session please telephone the Families' Information Service on 0800 073 8800 or alternatively
email the team or visit the
Pathways to Registration page.
More useful links for providers and professionals