Childminders look after other people's children in their own home. They can provide flexible individual childcare in a home environment as well as linking with other services in the local community such as pre-schools and schools. They can also take children to local parks, playgrounds and libraries.
How do I become a childminder?
To become a childminder you must, by law, register with the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care, the Care Inspectorate. Anyone offering a childcare service in their own home for more than 2 hours a day for children under 16 years must be registered.
Register a childminding service (Care Inspectorate website)
Business Gateway
East Lothians Business Gateway can also help with the process of becoming a childminder including information on setting up as a new business and with a childminder start up grant of up to £120. More information can be found:
Business Gateway East Lothian website
Training for Childminders
Childminder Information training is available for new childminders or childminders in the process of registering. For information on the next training dates contact the Childcare Information Team at the contact details below. Training in First Aid, Food Hygiene and Child Protection is also available.
For further information contact the Childcare Information team or visit the Scottish Childminding Association website.