INTRODUCTION TO CHILDMINDING PRACTICE COURSE
Introduction to Childminding Practice Course
Introduction to Childminding Practice (ICP) is a nine session course of two hour sessions. The face to face sessions are delivered by members of the Childminding Support Team, so there is opportunity to ask questions in a friendly atmosphere, become familiar with the support for childminders in Bristol and to make contact with other prospective childminders. The course usually takes place in the evening.
Please note that due to the Coronavirus pandemic the next two ICP courses will be delivered by Zoom – two evening sessions a week for nine sessions.
20th April 21 – 18th May 2021 (this course is two evening sessions a week by Zoom)
22nd June – 20th July 2021 (this course is two evening sessions a week by Zoom)
In Bristol we run four ICP courses a year. Currently the course costs £95. The course provides an introduction to essential knowledge covering the EYFS, early years practice, safeguarding and business. You will not be asked to write assignments: we will just advise you on what you need to do to get ready for the Ofsted registration visit. At the final session of the ICP you receive a certificate which enables you to apply to Ofsted.
As a prospective childminder attending the Bristol City Council ICP course, you will find here some additional information and reading material to enable you to prepare for childminding registration, but please do make use of the other childminding pages on this website; particularly the ‘Policies and Documents’ page and the observation assessment and planning or ‘OAP templates’ page, in order to print out documents or use them electronically.
If you would like to attend an ICP course you should attend a free Childminder Briefing session first. For more information look at Working in Early Years and Play.
Important links for the registration process
To apply for your DBS and DBS Update Service https://www.gov.uk/guidance/criminal-record-checks-for-childminders-and-childcare-workers If your DBS is taking months rather than weeks, contact the Disclosure and Barring Service using Tel 03000 200 190 Option 2
To apply to Ofsted after you have received your DBS https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-to-register-as-a-childminder
To print out a new Health Declaration https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-childcare-provider-health-declaration
Send the Health Declaration to: HDB floor 5, Ofsted, Piccadilly Gate, Manchester M1 2WD
An overview of registration https://www.gov.uk/register-childminder-childcare-provider
The EYFS and Development Matters can be found on the Foundation Years website http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/
You can ‘like’ Ofsted’s Facebook page for childcare registration https://www.facebook.com/ChildcareRegistration/
List of essential policies for childminders on the Early Years Register
Factsheet for landlords and solicitors about childminding
Paediatric First Aid (PFA) courses for childminders
Advice for childminders on photos mobile phones
Checklist of recommended documentation for a childminder
Thinking about Observations, Assessment and Planning
See Facebook screenshot below which answers the frequently asked question of whether a DBS still applies if you change your occupation

Childminding contacts
The Childminding Support Team – contact cmsupport@bristol.gov.uk | Tel 0117 3574192