Childminders are paid to look after children under the age of 12. They usually look after the children in their own home.

To be a childminder, you must:

  • attend a briefing session,
  • complete pre-registration training,
  • register with Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW),
  • have an enhanced DBS check,
  • register with HMRC, and
  • pay a data protection fee to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

Briefing session

The briefing session explains what you need to do to become a childminder.

You can attend through our Workforce Development Team or PACEY Cymru.

Workforce Development email: workforcedevelopment@cardiff.gov.uk

PACEY Cymru email: paceycymru@pacey.org.uk

Pre-registration training

You must attend the pre-registration training for home-based childcare and pass 2 units:

  • Introduction to Home-based Childcare (IHC), and
  • Preparing for Childminding Practice (PCP).

You will also need to complete 3 courses:

  • Level 3 Paediatric First Aid,
  • Safeguarding, and
  • Food Safety.

These courses are available through our Workforce Development Team.

Email: workforcedevelopment@cardiff.gov.uk

Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) registration

Once you have completed the pre-registration training, you will need to register online with the CIW.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks

Everyone in your household who is over the age of 16 will need to have an Enhanced DBS check.

Apply for an Enhanced DBS check.

His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) registration

You will need to register as self-employed with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Make sure you keep records of your accounts and receipts.

Data protection fee

Every organisation or sole trader who processes personal information must pay a data protection fee to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) every year.

You must register with CIW before you register with the Information Commissioner’s Office.

Need some help?

Our Childcare Business Support Team can support you with issues such as:

  • financing,
  • budgeting,
  • marketing,
  • registration, and
  • CIW compliance.

Email: ChildcareBusinessSupport@cardiff.gov.uk

Tel: 029 2035 1362