Before applying to become a childminder there is a great deal to consider and questions to ask.

If you would like to become  or are thinking about becoming a childminder in Thurrock, your first step is to attend a free Childminder Briefing Session. The Thurrock Childminder Briefing session provides you with current information about what you need to do to become an Ofsted Registered Childminder.  Please see the thinking of becoming a child-minder document attached. 

The next briefing will be running on Tuesday 16th July 2024 6pm-8pm. This will be a virtual session via TEAMS.

If the pre-registration briefing date has past, and you are interested in attending the Childminder Induction Training, please still make contact as per the below instruction.

For those who wish to pursue a career in child-minding after attending the pre-registration briefing you will need to attend a childminding preparation training course.  At Thurrock we hold a virtual accredited training course via TEAMS comprising of eight 3 hour sessions.  The next course is scheduled to run from Wednesday 18th September 2024 to 12th November 2024  6.30pm -9.30pm, and will run for the following 8 consecutive Wednesdays. The Childminder Induction Training is open to all, including those who live outside of Thurrock.

The Accredited Thurrock Childminder Induction Training includes:  

1: Legislation and an introduction to the Early Years Foundation Stage
2: Basic Child Protection Training
3: Keeping children safe in Earl Years
4: Partnership with Parents and Equalities
5: Understanding Child Development, Observation and Assessment in Early Years Foundation Stage
6: Understanding Planning and Monitoring Children’s Development in the Early Years Foundation Stage
7: Starting up your Child-minding business
8: Meet the team and the Ofsted registration process and beyond.

Each session includes assigned homework tasks to ensure you have understood the sessions and prepare you for your Ofsted registration visit.  You must successfully complete all the homework tasks to gain your certificate of completion.

You will also gain a full pack of sample policies and start up documentation - such as template forms and supportive information.  The package includes a home pre-registration visit to help you prepare  for the Ofsted registration visit. (the home visit is only part of the package for Thurrock residents) 

The 8 weeks Accredited Childminding Induction Training and support package  costs £200. Payment to be made at time of booking.

 For more detailed information on becoming a childminder please click  or copy and paste on the link below into your browser:

Thinking of Becoming a Childminder? | Thurrock | Services for Early Years (thurrockservicesforearlyyears.co.uk)

You must book a place by email before attending the training.  Please send an email titled 'Childminder Induction Training' including your name, address, contact telephone number and the date you wish to attend to FIS@thurrock.gov.uk.

Bookings cannot be made over the telephone; you will be asked to email if you call. Details of the course and confirmation will be emailed to you approximately 2 weeks before the session date.