Introduction to Childminding Practice Course

Introduction To Childminding Practice Course

Introduction to Childminding Practice (ICP) is an eight session course of two hour sessions. The 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 takes place in the evening.

Wednesday 30^th April 2025 – 25^th June 2025 7pm -9pm. This ICP runs once a week on Wednesday’s. The first session is in person at The Park Centre, Daventry Road, Bristol, BS4 1DQ.

Wednesday 24^th September 2025 – 26^th November 2025 7pm-9pm. This ICP runs once a week on Wednesday’s. The first session is in person at The Park Centre, Daventry Road, Bristol, BS4 1DQ.

Wednesday 21^st January 2026 – 18^th March 2026 7pm-9pm. This ICP runs once a week on Wednesday’s. The first session is in person at The Park Centre, Daventry Road, Bristol, BS4 1DQ.

Wednesday 6^th May 2026 – 8^th July 2026 7pm-9pm. This ICP runs once a week on Wednesday’s. The first session is in person at The Park Centre, Daventry Road, Bristol, BS4 1DQ.

In Bristol we run three 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, visit the webpage here . 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, visit the webpage here.

Print out a new Health Declaration here.

Send the Health Declaration to: HDB floor 5, Ofsted, Piccadilly Gate, Manchester M1 2WD

An overview of registration can be accessed here.

The EYFS and Development Matters can be found on the Foundation Years website.

You can ‘like’ Ofsted’s Facebook page for childcare registration .