Become a childminder in North Yorkshire

Find out how to set up as a childminder in North Yorkshire. Information for existing childminders employing assistants.

What is a childminder?

Registered childminders are skilled early years professionals who provide quality childcare and early education within a home-based setting. They play a vital role in supporting children's learning, development and wellbeing. They help children to thrive and achieve the best start in life while enabling parents and carers to access work, training and education. For details visit the government's Best start in life website.

Childminders offer flexible, personalised care that meets the needs of local families and communities across North Yorkshire. While many childminders work from their own homes, they also have the option to operate some or all of their provision from non-domestic premises, such as village halls, community facilities, schools or other suitable settings. This flexibility helps increase the availability and accessibility of childcare, particularly in rural areas.

As regulated childcare providers, childminders are registered with and inspected by Ofsted or a Childminder Agency (CMA), to make sure that they meet national standards for safeguarding, quality of education, child development and welfare. 

The benefits of becoming a childminder

Becoming a childminder is a rewarding and fulfilling career. It allows you to make a lasting difference to the lives of children and families whilst running your own business. As a childminder, you have the flexibility to:

  • be your own boss
  • set your own working hours
  • create a childcare service that reflects your interests, skills and the needs of your local community

You could choose to work independently from your home, alongside other childminders, or from a community or school-based setting.

Childminders are a vital part of North Yorkshire's early years and childcare sector, and are important for our rural communities, where access to childcare can sometimes be limited. They provide childcare options for families who may need care outside traditional nursery hours, including before and after school, during holidays, or across varied working patterns. This supports parents and carers to access employment, training and education while ensuring children benefit from high-quality care and learning opportunities.

In addition to the personal and professional rewards, childminders become part of a wider network of early years professionals who play a key role in improving outcomes for children. They support children to reach developmental milestones, encourage curiosity and learning through play. 

If you are considering becoming a childminder find out more about what childminders do, the registration process, and the government funded childcare entitlements available to eligible families, which are increasing demand for high-quality childcare provision across North Yorkshire.

Start-up grants for new childminders

New childminders who plan to register with Ofsted or a childminding agency and offer government funded early years places within North Yorkshire, can apply for our Childminder Start-Up Grant. This grant provides up to £2,000 towards essential equipment for children aged 0 to five (pre-reception age). 

For details about eligibility, what the grant can fund, and how to apply read our Childminder Start-Up Grant application guidance.

Support and training 

To become a childminder you do not need formal qualifications. However, having experience working with young children will support your practice and is highly valued by parents.

Once you are registered as a childminder, you will be able to access free information, advice and training. The Families Information Service offers sessions with all new childminders which refers them to this training and to answer any questions about running their own childminding business.

More information