How long does it take to become a registered childminder?
On average, registration as a childminder can take around six months. With preparation and support from SCMA, you can move smoothly through the process. It is advised you do your own research first, such as downloading our guide, to consider whether this is the right journey for you. Fill out the
enquiry form on our webpage, and one of the SCMA team will be in touch to support you with a quick eligibility check and answer questions you may have.
You’ll then receive access to SCMA’s online Childminding Induction Support Programme, which usually takes around eight hours to complete. When this is complete, and eligibility for the Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future is confirmed - you can submit your application to register as a childminder with the Care Inspectorate.
Several factors can slow down the process such as incomplete paperwork, or a delay in completing online training. You can speed things up by being organised from the start — and engaging with SCMA’s dedicated expert support will support you through each step!
What qualifications do I need to be a childminder in Scotland?
While there are no formal qualifications required to become a childminder, you should be genuinely passionate about working with children and supporting their learning and development. As part of the training available through the Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future, you’re required to complete SCMA’s Childminding Induction Support Programme, and you should be prepared to undertake at least 12 hours of Continued Professional Learning (CPL) each year to help maintain the high standards of your childminding service.
To work as a childminder, you must register with the Care Inspectorate. SCMA provides expert support throughout this registration process and beyond, with dedicated staff available to guide you every step of the way.
What do you need at home to be a childminder?
As long as you provide a safe, nurturing place for children, your childminding business can operate from all different types of homes – whether you’re in a detached or semi-detached house, bungalow, farm or flat - as long as the property is safe, secure and accessible. You’ll also need to demonstrate that your home has been assessed for risk and is suitable for caring for different age groups. Essential safety features include stair gates, smoke alarms, secure entrances, and child-safe storage. If you rent your home, you do need to seek your landlord’s permission to childmind from the property, SCMA can support you with this too.
Access to outdoor space is highly recommended, but a private garden is not essential - as long as you can demonstrate that children will have regular access to outdoor play opportunities, such as visits to a local park.
In terms of documentation, there is a range of policies and procedures you’ll need to develop and maintain. These typically include risk assessments, safeguarding policies, daily routines and activity plans, and documents covering data protection and GDPR compliance. SCMA provides a wealth of support throughout the process of developing these – you’re never alone. The knowledge and experience of our friendly team will help guide you.
How much does it cost to become a childminder?
The cost of becoming a childminder in Scotland varies depending on your starting point, but there are several core costs to plan for. Part of the support package available with the Programme for Scotland’s Childminding Future includes a minimum £750 start-up grant which is paid upon registration as a childminder. This can help offset any initial costs such as registration fee, or any equipment you may want to purchase for your business, such toys and books, a car seat, buggy, or items such as a stair gate. A chat with a member of the SCMA team can help you decide kind of purchases you might want to consider as part of your business model.
You’ll also receive a year’s free membership of SCMA, with Practitioner Insurance automatically included, so you can be sure that you, your business, and the children you care for are covered.
How many children can I childmind for?
Childminders normally care for a maximum of six children at any one time under the age of 16, of whom no more than three are not yet attending primary school and of whom no more than one is under twelve months. These limits are designed to ensure childminders can provide high-quality, individualised care. You should also consider your own children in these numbers, and any children in your household and their ages – they are always included within the maximum number of children you can care for at any one time.
What’s a typical day like?
A childminder’s day is varied, energetic and deeply rewarding. Childminders plan and deliver play-based learning and development that support children’s development. There’s lots of opportunity to get ‘out and about’ with ‘mindees’ – you have the flexibility to design your day with the children; for example, you can visit places of interest locally such as the park, the beach, museums or library.
You have the flexibility and freedom to work hours that suit you and your own family. Childminders also prepare healthy meals and snacks and work closely with parents to keep them informed about their child’s progress and how they’ve spent their time with you.
Final checklist: Is childminding right for you?
Childminding is a profession that requires patience, empathy, organisation, and a genuine passion for working with children. It’s an ideal profession for people who enjoy working independently, are good communicators, and can manage the practical and emotional demands of working with children of different ages.
Although the job offers flexibility, it also means your home is your workplace. You’ll need to be comfortable maintaining boundaries between your personal and professional time.
Before starting the process, you should ask yourself:
- Am I passionate about working with children and families?
- Do I have time to start and maintain my career as a self-employed childminder?
- Can I commit to ongoing training and professional development?
- Do I have the right support around me to help make this work?
Your journey as a childminder begins with good information and the right support – all of this is available from the SCMA. A package of support provides funding, training and one-to-one support from our experts in childminding to help get you started.
You’ll complete SCMA’s online Childminding Induction Support Programme, work with our dedicated team who’ll support you in preparing your policies and then you submit your application to register as a childminder with the Care Inspectorate. You’ll apply for PVG scheme membership and there will be a home visit from the Care Inspectorate. Once you’re registered, you can begin welcoming children into your childminding setting!
How SCMA supports you on the journey
We provide expert support every step of the way. From pre-registration guidance and accredited training to policy templates, business advice and peer support, SCMA helps you build a strong foundation for a successful childminding career. Ongoing CPL, local networks, and practical tools mean you’re never working in isolation. We even provide a Helpline for childminders – no question is too big or small. Our friendly team are on hand to help support you.
Interested? Find out how to
get started in a new career in childminding.