To become a childminder you have to register with either Ofsted or a childminding agency. Ofsted stands for the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. Koru Kids is an Ofsted-registered childminding agency. This means we can carry out inspections for childminders who register with us.
If you haven’t decided how to register as a childminder yet, here’s our quick comparison of Ofsted childminders and agency childminders.
Thinking of becoming a childminder? Read our guide to find out more.
Or if you’re not sure childminding is right for you, take a look at becoming a nanny instead.
1. Structure and authority
Ofsted childminders
Ofsted inspects independent childminders directly, and they also inspect childminding agencies
Childminding agencies
Ofsted-registered childminding agencies have the statutory power to inspect and manage childminders to the required legal standards. Their self-employed childminders are seen by one of our friendly assessors instead of an Ofsted inspector
2. Support before registration
Ofsted childminders
A childminder that registers via Ofsted has to find everything out by themselves. And, the training they get varies as Ofsted-registered childminders have to locate, and pay for, all training by themselves before they apply
Childminding agencies
A childminding agency will support you every step of the way—from the moment you think about becoming a childminder, to the moment you pass registration and beyond. This means you get free, in-depth training so you can aim to be an outstanding childminder
3. Registration and application process
Ofsted childminders
After you have completed all your training, it takes up to 12 weeks from applying to register with Ofsted to arrange a visit. They will inspect your setting, and decide if you have all the necessary documents and knowledge to register with them
Childminding agencies
Agencies work differently, but with some you can book a visit from an assessor as soon as you have completed your DBS check and health declaration. With some agencies you can even go from applying to being a trained and registered childminder in 12 weeks or less (if you want to!)
4. Post-registration support
Ofsted childminders
Ofsted do not offer further support or training to childminders. Childminders will have to carry on by themselves from here, and look for support from their local authority, or social media groups
Childminding agencies
Again, not all agencies are the same. But some may offer further training; help to find families and fill spaces; and ongoing support from specialist advisors.
5. Purpose and focus
Ofsted childminders
A childminder’s focus is to look after children in the best possible way. Ofsted’s purpose is to inspect childcare staff, and maintain standards in children’s education
Childminding agencies
Each childminding agency will have a different focus, with most aiming to support their childminders to provide the best possible care for children. Research childminding agencies before applying to be sure their ethos and frameworks align with your vision for your business.
6. Paperwork and taxes
Childminding agencies
A childminding agency can deal with most of the paperwork for childminders. That way, they can focus on being with the children. Some agencies help with taxes, insurance and pensions specifically created for childminders
How do I register as a childminder?
If you are thinking about registering via Ofsted, we have a handy article on everything you need to know about becoming an Ofsted childminder.
Ofsted and childminding agencies both have children’s best interests at heart. But most agencies also care about the childminders’ wellbeing, and to make childminding a rewarding career with room to develop, and support before, during, and after you register.
Not sure childminding is right for you?
If you’re not sure childminding is right for you, learn more about other childcare careers at Koru Kids.
Ofsted childminders
Since an Ofsted-registered childminder is independent they will have to deal with all paperwork themselves. They have to write and amend their own policies, learning journals, contracts, do their own taxes, find and pay for their own insurance etc.
Childminding agencies
A childminding agency can deal with most of the paperwork for childminders. That way, they can focus on being with the children. Some agencies help with taxes, insurance and pensions specifically created for childminders
How do I register as a childminder?
If you are thinking about registering via Ofsted, we have a handy article on everything you need to know about becoming an Ofsted childminder.
Ofsted and childminding agencies both have children’s best interests at heart. But most agencies also care about the childminders’ wellbeing, and to make childminding a rewarding career with room to develop, and support before, during, and after you register.
