--- title: "How to Become a Childminder UK: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide | Nursery Advice" url: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/blog/how-to-become-a-childminder-uk description: "Learn how to become a childminder UK with this step-by-step guide covering Ofsted registration, training, costs and timelines for 2026." lang: en-GB --- Nursery Advice: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/ Claim Your Nursery: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/claim ← Back to blog (https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/blog) 21 August 2026 # How to Become a Childminder UK: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide Learn how to become a childminder UK with this step-by-step guide covering Ofsted registration, training, costs and timelines for 2026. You're sitting at the kitchen table with a notebook, working out whether childminding could replace your current job. The appeal is obvious, flexible hours, a business based around family life and the chance to build close relationships with children. The less attractive side is just as real: changing your home, managing paperwork, accepting regulatory scrutiny and potentially giving up secure earnings while places build. The route into childminding in England has also changed. **Mandatory training was removed on 4 January 2024**, but that didn't remove the need for checks, first aid, safeguarding knowledge or a suitable setting. This guide explains how to become a childminder in the UK by separating the traditional home-based route from the newer outside-the-home option, then working through registration, assessment, money and the practical launch of your service. ## Table of Contents - Deciding Whether Childminding Is Right for You in 2026 - The trade-off between flexibility and control - What the Law Actually Says About Childminder Registration - Age groups determine the register - What changed in 2024 - Checks, Training and References Before You Apply - Complete suitability checks early - Book first aid before the application bottleneck - Choosing Your Regulator in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - England and the devolved nations - Home, Premises and the Outside-the-Home Route - What the assessment visit examines - EYFS, Safeguarding and Your Pre-Registration Assessment - Safeguarding must appear in daily decisions - Evidence should show children's learning - Costs, Insurance, Tax and Day-to-Day Paperwork - Insurance and business administration - A practical launch checklist - Mistakes that cause avoidable problems - Questions beginners often ask ## Deciding Whether Childminding Is Right for You in 2026 Childminding suits people who can combine warmth with structure. You'll need to supervise children closely, plan meaningful experiences, communicate professionally with parents and keep accurate records, often while managing your own household. The work can feel rewarding, but it's physically active and emotionally demanding. A difficult settling-in period, a safeguarding concern or a parent disagreement can't be left at the office. In England, you must register if you're paid to look after children under eight for more than two hours a day. The requirement applies to care provided in a domestic dwelling and, in relevant circumstances, from non-domestic premises. You must register with **Ofsted or a childminder agency**, and operating without registration where it's required can lead to prosecution, as set out in the official childminder pre-registration briefing (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69c67a62b66ff902f4544339/Childminder_and_Childminder_without_domestic_premises_-_pre-registration_briefing.pdf). The UK nations don't share one regulator, so your first decision is partly geographical. England uses Ofsted or an Ofsted-registered childminder agency. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland use their own regulatory arrangements, covered later in this guide. Don't buy equipment or commit to premises until you've identified the correct authority and checked its current application route. Image: An infographic showing the pros and cons of becoming a childminder to help with career decisions. (https://cdnimg.co/3ea35fe5-4f4b-4f83-8e1b-fb4b60e6c428/69717b98-d727-4974-bf2e-9b1dd72b6dd7/how-to-become-a-childminder-uk-childminding-comparison.jpg) ### The trade-off between flexibility and control The traditional model uses your own home. That can remove the need to rent separate premises, but it also means children's safety, noise, storage and daily routines become part of your domestic environment. Family members may need to accept restricted access to rooms and changes to how the house operates during childcare hours. The outside-the-home route may be more suitable if your home isn't appropriate or you want a dedicated setting. It introduces different questions about lease terms, access, fire arrangements, shared use and who controls the premises. If five or more people work together, the setting may need to register as a nursery or another form of childcare instead, so the boundary needs checking before you sign an agreement. The official guidance on registering a childminder (https://www.gov.uk/become-childminder-nanny/register-childminder) distinguishes between home-based and outside-the-home provision. Ofsted-registered childminders fell to **25,300 by 31 March 2025, down 5% year on year**, according to Ofsted's early years and childcare statistics. A separate provider survey estimated **22,300 childminders in 2025**, also showing a declining workforce. That points to a genuine need for places, but it doesn't guarantee a viable business in your neighbourhood. Check local demand, school-run patterns and the hours parents need before deciding. ## What the Law Actually Says About Childminder Registration The legal threshold is simpler than many people expect. In England, paid care for children under eight, lasting more than two hours a day, generally requires registration when provided from a domestic dwelling and/or non-domestic premises. The rule catches more than full-day childcare. Regular after-school care and some shared-care arrangements can also fall within it. You can't register in England if you're under 18, don't have the legal right to work in the UK, are barred from working with children or have been disqualified. The government's become a childminder guidance (https://www.gov.uk/become-childminder-nanny) sets out those eligibility limits and the core registration process. ### Age groups determine the register The age of the children you care for affects the registration pathway. Childminders caring for children aged five and under join the **Early Years Register**. Those caring only for children aged five to seven join the compulsory part of the **Childcare Register**, while a childminder serving both age groups must join both registers. The distinction matters because Early Years Register providers must meet the statutory requirements of the **Early Years Foundation Stage**, or EYFS. School-age-only provision has its own compulsory-register expectations, including relevant childminding training and sufficiently good English to protect children's welfare and safety. Image: A chart showing legal registration thresholds for childminders across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. (https://cdnimg.co/3ea35fe5-4f4b-4f83-8e1b-fb4b60e6c428/37553009-6840-4ffd-b666-685fbd070392/how-to-become-a-childminder-uk-registration-thresholds.jpg) ### What changed in 2024 From **4 January 2024**, training stopped being a legal requirement for childminders in England. That means a new applicant caring for early-years children doesn't automatically need to complete the former mandatory training course before applying. It doesn't mean training has lost its value, or that an applicant can avoid demonstrating safe, competent practice. The wider process still includes an **enhanced DBS check**, appropriate paediatric first aid, references and a health declaration. If you're registering on the Early Years Register, you must meet EYFS standards in practice even though an EYFS course isn't legally required, as confirmed in Ofsted's registration requirements (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/childminders-and-childcare-providers-register-with-ofsted/registration-requirements). Registration isn't a badge you can assume will remain forever. Refusal, cancellation or removal can prevent you from operating under the relevant register, and providing regulated care without the required registration can expose you to enforcement. That's why the regulator comparison and premises decision should come before spending heavily on furniture or branding. ## Checks, Training and References Before You Apply Treat pre-registration as a project with parallel workstreams. Waiting until one task is finished before starting the next is a common reason applications drift. Begin the DBS process, book first aid, contact referees and prepare your premises at the same time. ### Complete suitability checks early The applicant needs an enhanced DBS check, and household members over 16 may also need checks because they could have access to minded children. Gather identity documents carefully and use the route specified by your regulator or childminder agency. A mismatch in names, addresses or documents can create avoidable delays. You'll also need a health declaration and references. The National Careers Service describes the usual preparation as including home-based childcare learning around the EYFS, paediatric first aid, safeguarding and food safety, alongside a home and equipment assessment. Its childminder career guidance is useful for checking the practical expectations, but follow your regulator's current requirements rather than relying on an old course checklist. The 2024 rule change means an entry-level childminding course is no longer automatically mandatory for early-years registration in England. I'd still recommend structured preparation, especially if you haven't worked in early years. A Level 3 course informed by the EYFS, safeguarding training and food-allergen learning can help you make better decisions before children arrive. It also gives you language for explaining your practice during assessment. ### Book first aid before the application bottleneck Choose paediatric first aid suitable for the age group you'll care for and check the certificate's renewal date. First aid should be refreshed every three years. Local authorities sometimes offer funded preparation courses, and even when the course content overlaps with what you know, the templates, contacts and practical kit guidance can be valuable. Chasing references is another predictable hold-up. Give referees a clear deadline, explain the role and check that they'll respond to a regulator rather than providing only an informal character statement. Image: A diagram outlining the three essential steps for the pre-registration application process for prospective childminders in the UK. (https://cdnimg.co/3ea35fe5-4f4b-4f83-8e1b-fb4b60e6c428/1ec6c5ac-29f9-47b0-ba72-2d97f3d81339/how-to-become-a-childminder-uk-registration-steps.jpg) Safeguarding preparation should be practical, not just theoretical. Review this safeguarding guidance for early years (https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/blog/safeguarding-in-early-years) alongside your local safeguarding partnership's procedures, then write down how you'd record and report a concern. The registration application normally leads to a home or premises assessment. Have your identity documents, DBS information, first aid evidence, references, health declaration and draft policies organised in one folder, whether digitally or on paper. ## Choosing Your Regulator in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland Your regulator determines the application forms, suitability checks, inspection language and standards you'll work to. Don't use an England-focused checklist if you're setting up in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. | Nation | Regulator | Legal Basis | Application Route | Typical Fee | Inspection Cycle | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | England | Ofsted, or an Ofsted-registered childminder agency | Childcare and EYFS requirements | Online application to Ofsted or application through an agency | Ofsted fees vary by register and age group | Set by Ofsted's current inspection arrangements | | Wales | Care Inspectorate Wales, CIW | Welsh childcare and national minimum standards | CIW registration route and online contact channels | Check current CIW fee guidance | Set by CIW | | Scotland | Care Inspectorate, with SSSC requirements where relevant | Scottish social care and early learning legislation | Care Inspectorate application, with PVG and registration requirements where applicable | Check current Scottish guidance | Set by the Care Inspectorate | | Northern Ireland | Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority, RQIA | Northern Ireland childcare and pre-school standards | RQIA registration and inspection route | Check current RQIA guidance | Set by RQIA | ### England and the devolved nations In England, Ofsted is the direct regulator, while childminder agencies offer an alternative registration route and are themselves registered and inspected by Ofsted. The age group determines whether you join the Early Years Register, the compulsory Childcare Register or both. Wales uses **Care Inspectorate Wales**, commonly abbreviated to CIW. Scotland's system involves the **Care Inspectorate**, while the **Scottish Social Services Council** has a role in workforce registration and relevant childcare practice. Applicants should also check the **PVG scheme** requirements. Northern Ireland uses **RQIA**, which regulates and inspects relevant childcare provision under the local framework. The regulator's terminology may differ even where the practical themes are familiar. You'll still need to demonstrate that children are safe, premises are suitable, staff or household members are suitable and records are maintained, but don't assume an English EYFS form can be transferred directly to another nation. > **Practical rule:** Apply through the regulator's current online route, then download its own guidance and forms. Third-party checklists are useful for orientation, not for deciding whether you're legally ready. ## Home, Premises and the Outside-the-Home Route The premises decision affects almost every later decision, from insurance to fire planning. The at-home route uses your own domestic property. Children may use a lounge, dining room, conservatory or dedicated play space, while private bedrooms and restricted areas should remain clearly controlled during operating hours. The outside-the-home route is for care provided from a place that's never a home. Examples might include a converted community hall, church hall or dedicated childminding unit. You'll need permission to use the premises, a clear arrangement for access and storage, and a plan for managing shared areas if other childminders or organisations use the building. Image: A comparison chart outlining the two legal pathways to become a registered childminder in England. (https://cdnimg.co/3ea35fe5-4f4b-4f83-8e1b-fb4b60e6c428/48f51618-8f67-4087-95b8-0dfc29b624e9/how-to-become-a-childminder-uk-childminder-routes.jpg) ### What the assessment visit examines The assessor will look at how children move through the setting, not just whether you've bought attractive equipment. Check that exits are usable, fire arrangements are understood, signs are clear where needed and hazards are controlled. Cleaning products, medicines and alcohol need secure storage. Pets require a written risk assessment and sensible supervision arrangements. Review accessibility, toilets, handwashing, food preparation, outdoor access and sleeping arrangements. A garden doesn't need to look like a nursery, but it should be safe, appropriately supervised and usable for the children you intend to care for. For a smaller setting, choosing kid-sized furniture for daycare (https://ocodile.com/blogs/the-little-space/daycare-room-setup-ideas) can help children reach resources safely and use the room with greater independence. The EYFS ratio rules also matter. A childminder can usually care for a maximum of six children under eight, subject to restrictions around younger children and the specific circumstances of the provision. A one-over-one staffing exception can apply in defined situations, but it isn't a general permission to exceed safe capacity. Discuss your intended ages, school runs and any assistant arrangements with Ofsted or your agency before advertising spaces. For outside-the-home provision, ask who is responsible for fire risk assessment, first aid equipment, maintenance, cleaning and emergency evacuation. If five or more people work together, the registration category may change to nursery or another childcare provision. Get that decision confirmed before committing to rent. ## EYFS, Safeguarding and Your Pre-Registration Assessment An assessment visit tests whether your proposed service can operate safely and thoughtfully from its first day. For England, that means showing how you'll meet the statutory **Early Years Foundation Stage**. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland use their own early-years frameworks and standards, so applicants outside England must use the relevant national documents rather than importing EYFS terminology. For an England application, organise your practice around the seven EYFS areas of learning: - **Communication and language**, including listening, attention and speaking. - **Physical development**, including movement, coordination and health. - **Personal, social and emotional development**, including relationships and self-regulation. - **Literacy**, including reading and writing. - **Mathematics**, including number and numerical patterns. - **Understanding the world**, including people, communities and the natural environment. - **Expressive arts and design**, including creating, imagining and performing. The framework isn't a lesson timetable. A strong plan might use a cooking activity to support language, physical coordination, mathematics and understanding the world, while allowing a younger child to explore safely at their own level. The EYFS framework explanation (https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/blog/what-is-eyfs-framework) can help you connect statutory requirements with everyday practice. ### Safeguarding must appear in daily decisions Write policies that match what you'll do. Your core file should address safeguarding and child protection, allegations against adults, complaints, safer recruitment and suitability, health and illness, medication, accidents, behaviour, emergency evacuation, outings, mobile phones, cameras, data protection and attendance. You'll need a clear safeguarding lead arrangement, even if you work alone. Prepare for questions about safer sleep for under-ones, food and drink, allergies, smoking and vaping, visitors, pets and collection permissions. Policies shouldn't be copied and forgotten. Update them when your premises, household, assistants or operating pattern changes. ### Evidence should show children's learning Keep a learning and development file that demonstrates observation, assessment and next steps without turning the day into paperwork. A useful entry might record a child counting shells during outdoor play, note the language they used, identify the mathematical interest and suggest a follow-up activity involving sorting or comparing. The assessment visit may involve a discussion of your premises, documents, safeguarding understanding and proposed routines. Have your registration evidence, checks, first aid certificate, references, health declaration, risk assessments, policies, complaints process, attendance method and learning records ready to show. If the regulator identifies follow-up actions, respond directly and keep evidence of what you changed. A revised risk assessment, new storage arrangement or clearer policy is more persuasive when it shows the practical improvement rather than adding text to a folder. Image: A pre-registration assessment checklist for childminders featuring icons for EYFS framework, safeguarding, home safety, and fire safety. (https://cdnimg.co/3ea35fe5-4f4b-4f83-8e1b-fb4b60e6c428/c1977eca-d406-4e69-873b-9fe4cb0b391a/how-to-become-a-childminder-uk-assessment-checklist.jpg) ## Costs, Insurance, Tax and Day-to-Day Paperwork Before accepting a booking, work out whether the proposed service can cover its running costs and your time. The fee structure in England depends on the register and the age group. Joining the Early Years Register costs **£35** for childminders caring only for children aged five or under, **£103** for those caring only for children aged five or older, and **£35** for childminders caring for children of all ages. You can join the Childcare Register at the same time without an extra registration fee. Its annual fee matches the relevant registration fee, according to Ofsted's cost guidance (https://www.gov.uk/become-childminder-nanny/how-much-it-costs). | Item | Estimated annual cost | | --- | --- | | Ofsted registration and annual fee | £35 or £103, depending on register and age group | | Paediatric first aid and preparation training | Varies by provider | | Enhanced DBS checks | Varies by applicant and checking route | | Childcare insurance | Varies by cover and provider | | Equipment, furniture and resources | Varies with what you already own | | Accounting and bookkeeping support | Optional, varies by service | | Premises improvements and safety equipment | Varies with the property | The table is a planning framework, not a universal start-up budget. Someone with a suitable home, existing toys and local authority support may spend far less than a childminder adapting a garden, buying safety equipment or renting an outside-the-home setting. The newer outside-the-home route can also bring costs linked to premises use, contracts and shared facilities. ### Insurance and business administration Arrange childcare insurance before you begin operating. Check that the policy covers the children's ages, assistants, outings, allegations, public liability and every premises you will use. If care will take place outside your home, ask the insurer to confirm that the non-domestic setting and your agreement with the premises owner are covered. A standard household policy is not a substitute for childcare cover. Keep business income and expenditure separate from personal spending wherever possible. Save receipts for food, resources, equipment, training, mileage and other legitimate costs, then record them promptly. Reconstructing a year from bank statements takes time and can leave gaps. A spreadsheet may be enough for a small service, while a bookkeeping app can make regular reconciliation easier. You'll normally need to register as self-employed with HMRC if your trading income exceeds **£1,000 in a tax year**, as explained in HMRC's self-employed guidance. Income Tax and National Insurance depend on your overall circumstances and taxable profit. For a clear explanation of the Self Assessment registration process, read this Action Accountants Limited registration guide (https://actionaccountants.uk/registering-for-self-assessment/), then confirm your position with HMRC or an accountant. Childminding fees aren't normally charged with VAT, but the position can become less straightforward if you combine childcare with other services, employ an assistant or rent premises. Keep records from the first enquiry and obtain advice before changing the business structure. Early advice is usually easier than correcting incomplete accounts later. ### A practical launch checklist Use this sequence to organise the work. The timing will depend on your regulator, premises and readiness. 1. **Define the offer:** Decide the children's age range, days, hours, school runs and whether you'll work at home or elsewhere. 2. **Confirm the regulator:** Check whether Ofsted, an agency or a devolved regulator applies. 3. **Start checks in parallel:** Begin DBS, references, health paperwork and paediatric first aid. 4. **Prepare the setting:** Complete risk assessments, secure hazards, plan sleep and toileting, and check outdoor access. 5. **Write usable policies:** Include safeguarding, complaints, medication, accidents, behaviour, outings, emergency arrangements and data handling. 6. **Submit the application:** Use the regulator's current form and keep copies of everything. 7. **Prepare for assessment:** Practise explaining your routines, safeguarding response, learning approach and emergency plan. 8. **Arrange insurance and records:** Put cover, contracts, attendance systems, invoices and receipts in place before the first child starts. 9. **Market carefully:** Use accurate availability, clear boundaries and professional communication. ### Mistakes that cause avoidable problems Buying too much equipment at the outset can tie up money without improving the service. Start with safe, open-ended resources suited to your planned age range. Add items after you see how children use the space and which interests need support. Policies also cause problems when they are copied from another setting. An outside-the-home service may need different arrangements for keys, visitors, shared toilets, fire exits and storage than a domestic childminder. Read each policy alongside the actual room, entrance, outdoor area and daily routine. Check your proposed hours against school runs, rest periods, travel time and your own capacity before advertising. Parents need dependable arrangements more than an impressive timetable. Contracts should state settling-in arrangements, fees, late collection terms and illness rules, so both sides understand what happens when plans change. ### Questions beginners often ask **Do I need a childcare qualification?** For England's Early Years Register, the former mandatory training requirement was removed on 4 January 2024. You still need to demonstrate suitable knowledge and safe practice, and training remains strongly advisable. The change removes a required course, not the need to understand early-years care, safeguarding and the EYFS. **Can I childmind outside my home?** Yes. England has a route for provision from premises that are never a home. Confirm the registration category before committing to a venue, and check whether working alongside other people changes the type of childcare registration required. The premises route affects insurance, fire arrangements, access, storage and your written procedures. **Can I care only for school-age children?** The compulsory Childcare Register applies to relevant school-age provision. Its requirements differ from those of the Early Years Register, including expectations around childminding training and English. Check the applicable requirements before advertising a school-age-only service. **When should I advertise?** Begin when your registration route and likely availability are clear. Do not accept paid care before registration where registration is legally required. Give families a realistic indication of timing instead of promising a start date that depends on unresolved checks or premises work. **How do I find families?** Use local parenting groups responsibly, community noticeboards, libraries, GP surgeries and community centres where permitted. A clear website can explain your hours, approach, registration status and availability. Don't share identifiable images of children or disclose personal information without a lawful, carefully considered basis. Once registered, claim your free Nursery Advice listing so local parents can find accurate information about your service. Add your availability, age range, opening hours, privacy-conscious premises photographs, registration details and a concise explanation of what makes your provision suitable for their family. Respond promptly, give consistent information and use visits to decide whether the arrangement works for both you and the parent. Ready to take the first step? Write down your proposed age range, hours and premises route today. Then check the relevant official regulator guidance before booking training or buying equipment. If you plan to operate in England, use the GOV.UK childminder application guidance as your starting point and build your DBS, first aid, references, policies and premises preparation around the requirements that apply to your setting. Nursery Advice — home (https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/) The independent UK nursery directory. Built with Ofsted data, kept current weekly. For parents - Search nurseries: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search - Parent Hub: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/parent-hub - Saved nurseries: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/saved - Compare: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/compare For nurseries - Promote Your Nursery: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/for-nurseries - Claim a listing: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/claim - Nursery dashboard: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/owner - Sign in: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/auth Browse by location - London: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nurseries/london - South East: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nurseries/south-east - North West: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nurseries/north-west - West Midlands: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nurseries/west-midlands - Yorkshire: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nurseries/yorkshire-and-the-humber - See all regions →: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/nurseries About - About us: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/about-us - Editorial policy: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/parent-hub/editorial-standards - Contact us: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/contact - Blog: https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/blog - Data sources: Ofsted MI, GIAS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590427415951 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nurseryadvice-co-uk Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/NurseryAdvice/ Ofsted data & reports Inspection reports, ratings and provider details displayed on this site are sourced from Ofsted (https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/) and contain public sector information published under the Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/). Nursery Advice is not affiliated with or endorsed by Ofsted or any government body. © 2026 Better Search Limited (company no. 17209315), trading as Nursery Advice. All rights reserved. Contact: hello@nurseryadvice.co.uk. Terms of service (https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/terms)Privacy policy (https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/privacy)Made for parents. ## Structured data ```json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. Ofsted ratings, fees, opening hours, Google reviews and inspection history — all in one place.", "inLanguage": "en-GB", "potentialAction": { "@type": "SearchAction", "target": { "@type": "EntryPoint", "urlTemplate": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/search?q={search_term_string}" }, "query-input": "required name=search_term_string" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Nursery Advice", "url": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk", "description": "Search and compare UK nurseries. Ofsted ratings, fees, opening hours, Google reviews and inspection history — all in one place.", "logo": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/__l5e/assets-v1/18ee05cb-93ee-4d8a-b535-85644088f16f/nursery-advice-social-share.png", "sameAs": [ "https://twitter.com/nurseryadvice" ], "contactPoint": { "@type": "ContactPoint", "contactType": "customer support", "email": "hello@nurseryadvice.co.uk", "areaServed": "GB", "availableLanguage": [ "English" ] } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BlogPosting", "headline": "How to Become a Childminder UK: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide", "description": "Learn how to become a childminder UK with this step-by-step guide covering Ofsted registration, training, costs and timelines for 2026.", "datePublished": "2026-08-21T10:30:06.021088+00:00", "dateModified": "2026-08-21T10:30:08.863+00:00", "mainEntityOfPage": "https://www.nurseryadvice.co.uk/blog/how-to-become-a-childminder-uk", "image": "https://cdnimg.co/3ea35fe5-4f4b-4f83-8e1b-fb4b60e6c428/8d837de1-5042-4042-8947-bf0c147ca2d5/how-to-become-a-childminder-uk-guide-title.jpg" } ] ```