A professional childminder is one who looks after one or more children under the age of eight for more than two hours a day, for reward on domestic premises (other than the child’s home). Such a person must be registered with Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted), which is the regulatory body for childcare in the UK. There are two registers maintained by Ofsted – the Early Years Register, for childminders caring for children from birth to 31 August following their 5th birthday and the childminder caring for children under 8  and the compulsory part of the Ofsted Childcare Register, for childminders caring for children from 1 September following their 5th birthday up to and including the age of 7.

Before registering, you need to perform the following steps:

Step I
Attend a pre-registration session to find out more about becoming a childminder.

Step II
After submitting the application and paying the fee of £30, you and your family members aged over 16 have to apply for a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) disclosure. Also, you have to be registered with the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) as part of the Vetting and Barring Scheme.

Step III
You have to complete a paediatric first-aid course (before registering) and an introductory childcare course (within six months of registration). After registration, you have to pass the first unit of the Home-based Childcare (Cache level 3) diploma course and get public liability insurance.

Step IV
You will have to pass an inspection by an Ofsted officer.

Step V
If all the above steps are successful, you will receive your registration certificate and be able to start work as a registered childminder. You must pay a renewal fee of £30 annually to continue being on the Ofsted rolls.

You can look after up to six children under the age of eight, including your own children. No more than three children can be below the age of five, and no more than one child can be below the age of one. Ofsted may make an exception if you want to care for more than one child under the age of one from the same family, for example twins. The available space at your home may also determine the number of children you are allowed to care for.

How can you start on this most rewarding and fulfilling of professions? In order to become a fully qualified teacher in the UK, you’re going to have to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) first. To gain QTS you will need to complete a programme of Initial Teacher Training (ITT) this will involve at least 18 weeks practical experience in a school environment. ITT can be performed through a number of options.

To apply to become a teacher, you will need a UK degree (or an equivalent qualification). You must get this first if you want to apply for a postgraduate course of ITT (such as a PGCE, Postgraduate Certificate of Education, or SCITT, School-Centred Initial Teacher Training) or the graduate teacher programme (GTP). However, you can also complete a degree as part of your teacher training via an undergraduate ITT course (such as a BEd or a BA/BSc with QTS) or the registered teacher programme (RTP).

The OTTP (Overseas Trained Teacher Programme) allows teachers from within the EU (and some from outside) to work in the UK whilst training for their QTS. To be accepted on to any course of ITT, you will need GCSEs at grade C or above (or recognised equivalents) in English and mathematics. Additionally, if you were born on or after 1 September 1979, and want to teach primary or Key Stages 2/3 (ages 7-14), you will also need a GCSE at grade C or above (or an equivalent qualification) in a science subject. If you don’t have the necessary GCSEs in mathematics, English or science, you may be able to take a pre-entry test set by your ITT provider.

Teaching is a noble profession, but takes a lot of patience and hard work. Your aforementioned ITT provider may ask to see proof of your continued interest in this field, and that you are committed to a career working with children. In fact, some ITT providers require that all their trainees have some previous school-based experience. To become a successful teacher, besides the formal certificates, you also need excellent verbal and writing skills as well as expertise in your chosen subject area, if appropriate. You should be able to give clear, easy-to-follow instructions, and be highly organised. Previous experience of working with children will make your task much easier.

For those looking for professional childcare, there are reputed establishments like the Rising Fives Play Nursery to take care of all child upbringing and education needs.

The Rising Fives Play Nursery is a small, friendly establishment run out of a family home in the rural village of Smeeth, in Kent. Established in 1989, Rising Fives is currently owned and managed by Mary Calver, resident of the aforementioned home. Rising Fives offers a small and deeply personal environment for the children to learn through play, socialise with other children and gain confidence and skills in preparation for their transition to school. The school aims to enhance the development and education of the children in its care in a safe, secure and stimulating environment; working within a framework that ensures equality of opportunity for all children. It proudly declares, “Our intention is that every child leaves the nursery with happy memories and an enthusiasm for learning.”

Rising Fives offers children a play-based curriculum in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), personalised to the individual needs of each child. A high ratio of qualified adults to children makes individual care and attention possible. Children benefit from a “Key Person” who ensures they have the opportunity to play, have fun and develop friendships with children and adults in the group. The school recognises that parents are the first and most important educators of their young children, and welcome their active participation in school activities. The school also encourages parents with specialised skills to share their expertise and knowledge with other children.

Rising Fives has comprehensive policies on admissions, child protection, behaviour management, confidentiality, first aid, parental responsibility, special educational needs, anti-bullying measures, settling in, parent-teacher partnerships and other important aspects of child education and safekeeping. All parents are given a copy of the policies when their children join and the school welcomes discussions on them. Parents are free to meet the administration with their feedback.

Other than owner Mary Culver, the staff at Rising Fives include deputy manager Michelle Phillip, nursing practitioners Helen Ord, Jane Mellor, Tracey McVittie, Liam McCarthy, Natalie Bukham and student intern  Robyn Cossey. Most of the staff have been part of Rising Fives for the better part of a decade, with many having children attending or having attended the nursery school.

These lines were written by once Ashford resident Richard Lovelace who gained fame as a poet in the 17th century. Ashford then was a quaint little town surrounded by the villages Bockhanger, Kennington, Sevington, Singleton, and Willesborough. Modern Ashford in Kent has expanded to include all surrounding habitations, becoming an important market town and European communications center ideally situated at the confluence of five railway lines. Ashford’s 60,000 odd inhabitants don’t lack for any of the modern amenities of life, and this includes professional legal services.

Footprints Day Care Nursery at Millbank Road, Kingsnorth, is one such reputed establishment. Catering to children from 3 months to 11 years, this OFSTED (Office for Standard in Education) regulated nursery offers a warm, welcoming learning experience for Ashford’s children. The facilities are currently registered for 75 children, of which 20 places are for babies and under 2’s. The nursery places great importance on practical learning all through the year. From showing off children’s artistic talents at making cards, presents and models, to baking and creating, their individual and wonderful creations are proudly displayed throughout the nursery or taken home to enjoy.  Specially themed parties are always hugely enjoyable as well as a range of outdoor activities involving games, exploration and learning.

Footprints has dedicated facilities for babies (3 to 12 months), toddlers (12 months to 3 years), pre-schoolers (3 years to 5 years) and juniors (5 years to 11 years).

Babies – The Footprints team caring for babies consists of trained and experienced nursery nurses dedicated to offering the stimulating, caring environment every parent wants. The facilities offer an environment rich in opportunities for exploration and first hand experiences. A cosy book corner offers the perfect place for affectionate storytelling sessions.

Toddlers – The dedicated team for toddlers focuses on providing an environment rich in opportunities for physical activity, hands on fun and messy play. Child sized tables and chairs offer toddlers the chance to develop their increasing sense of independence and the en-suite bathroom facilities encourage successful toilet training.

Pre-schoolers – The Footprints team for pre-schoolers follow the guidelines set out by the Early Years Foundation Stage Document 2007 for continuous learning. Children have their own bathroom to allow further development of independence in toilet training, computers to develop interaction and communication skills, and a varied and exciting choice of activities to participate in. The in-house garden offers children access to small animals like rabbits and chickens whom they learn to take care of. Cooking activities are arranged every week along with daily opportunities for group discussion.

Juniors – A dedicated school facility is almost ready for the juniors group aged 5 to 11 years. Right now they can participate and learn from the holiday club activities.

Learning at Footprints does not stop during the holidays. The holiday club team comprising teachers, teaching assistants, early years students and nursery nurses arranges activities for the students divided in two groups.  The 3 to 7 year olds join the Pre School and concentrate on play based activities, cooking, interaction and craft, while the 8 to 11 year olds take part in team games, competitions and sports, watch films, read books and have use of the school’s Play Station games console.

Home to around 60,000 inhabitants, those looking for professional child care are ably served by a number of competent nurseries in the area. Jelly Beans Preschool Nursery at Kings North is one of them.

The quaintly-named Jelly Beans Preschool Nursery is a purpose-built nursery ideally located amongst lush grounds and open spaces. Not only is there adequate room for children to grow, enjoy and learn in natural surroundings, the expansiveness of the locality provides ample parking space for parents and visitors. The establishment has a non-discriminatory admission policy where access is open to every family in the community. The waiting list is operated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Jelly Beans’ settling in policy makes the whole learning experience less stressful for children and parents. During the settling in period, a child can visit the nursery with his/her parents before session starts and get accustomed to the unfamiliar environment with familiar people at the side. The nursery feels that it is important for a child to spend some time in the nursery and get to know his/her key worker, the children and other staff so that when session starts, the child will be at ease in the new surroundings.

As part of its well-defined policy, the nursery encourages parents to visit with their child at least three times before session starts. For the first visit it is suggested that the child stays for an hour, so that the parents can talk to the staff about routines and other relevant details.  For the second visit the parents are advised to leave their child for an hour, followed by two hours over a mealtime on the third visit,  so that the/she can experience eating with a large group.  Some children may need more than three visits and if so, more visits can be arranged.

Jelly Beans stresses on developing great relationships with parents. On the first day, a parent is encouraged to stay on for some time to see the child settle in. The nursery welcomes phone calls from parents checking in on their children, and offers to provide progress reports at the time of pickup. As part of policy, Jelly Beans abides by the following guidelines:

1. Jelly Beans staff will work in partnership with parents / carers to settle children into Jelly Beans Nursery.

2. Jelly Beans staff will work towards a partnership with parents in an open and honest way.

3. Jelly Beans staff will provide an atmosphere in which the children and parents are happy and comfortable.

4. Jelly Beans has an open door policy for parents and visitors.

5. Jelly Beans will organise ‘Parents Evenings’ and social events for parents / carers to attend.

6. Parents /carers opinions and concerns will be listened to and valued.

Jelly Beans considers children’s safety to be of the greatest importance, and to this effect has implemented several security measures:
1. Security cameras at the entrance.
2. Entry allowed to parents or persons nominated by them, as recorded in the child’s file.
3. Covered, high-level plug sockets throughout the nursery.
4. Safety glass on all windows and doors.
5. Under-floor heating, to prevent children from burning themselves.
6. High fencing surrounding gardens.

With a population of around 60,000, the town is well served by several professional services in the area. For those looking for professional child care services, Ashford Play Nursery Schools provide all that is needed.

The original nursery at Albert Road was established more than 45 years ago, and has been under the able stewardship of Mrs. VS Webb since 1971. Over the years, the establishment has proved its popularity by expanding into its current four locations across the town – two at Albert Road and one each at Wall Road and Willesborough. All these nurseries are periodically inspected under the OFSTED (Office for Standard in Education) scheme and meet all of the criteria set by the Central Government and local authorities.

All the Ashford Play Nursery Schools have qualified, fully-trained personnel who ensure that the formative years of the children are healthy, enjoyable and educational. The bright and cheerful well-maintained facilities make growing up an enjoyable activity in which the staff and parents work in close partnership for optimal development of the children. With a rich and illustrious history of developing little minds and bodies over generations, Ashford Nursery occupies a special place in the Ashford psyche.

APN Head Office & Nursery Albert Road

This is the Head Office for the Nursery schools within the group and also the private residence for the owner Mrs. Val Webb. It is located at 43 Albert Road.

APNC Creche Albert Road

This is dedicated to the youngest children in our care and forms the Ashford Play Nursery School Crèche.  The unit, although autonomous, is situated very close to the Head Office and major nursery in the group down the road. It is located at 47 Albert Road.

APNS Wall Road

Located in Wall Road in the centre of Ashford this unit was purpose built to fulfill the growing demand for more space at the main school. It shares the rear garden of the main nursery along with a number of other facilities and provides a slightly more formal school-like environment for children. It is located at Wall Road.

APNW Willesborough

Located in the village of Willesborough in the Old Chapel, this unit was converted from it’s former use to fulfill the demand for pre school child care in the immediate area. In contrast to the urban environment of the other three units, this unit has exclusive use of a garden amongst other general nursery facilities and offers a small “village” environment to care for children.

The town of Ashford in the English county of Kent takes its motto “With a stronger faith” from the lines above written by once-resident Richard Lovelace who gained fame in the 17th century as a poet of repute. The modern-day town of 60,000 is famous for its agricultural market and has emerged as an important European communications centre in recent times. The quintessential modern town with all the modern facilities and services, Ashford’s residents have a lot of alternatives as far as their childcare needs are concerned. The Cherrytree Nursery School is one such prominent establishment.

Cherrytree, present at two locations in Ashford (Wainwright Place and Kingsnorth Road), provides “a bright, spacious and stimulating learning environment for the children”. The school lays strong emphasis on the development of work patterns and learning skills, allowing children to grow and learn at their own pace. Cherrytree admits children from 2 years old until they reach primary school admission age and up to their 8th birthday in the school holidays. The school operates three sessions – 9:00am – 11:30 am, 9:00am – 1:00pm and 9:00am – 3:00pm.

Cherrytree solicits regular feedback from parents. Besides regular parent meetings held every summer, there are contact books between home and school, where Cherrytree staff write their comments and ask parents to reach them and add their feedback on children’s development at home. Additionally, the school has an open-door policy where parents are encouraged to walk in with their queries and suggestions.

Cherrytree has comprehensive policies on admissions, child protection, behaviour management, confidentiality, first aid, parental responsibility, special educational needs, parent-teacher partnerships and other important aspects of child education and safekeeping. All parents are given a copy of the policies when their children join and the school welcomes discussions on them. Playscheme sessions are open to parents of children already at nursery and their siblings, from 2 years old up to their 8th birthday. However, places are limited and parents are advised to book the sessions for their childre every holiday. Playscheme is run each holiday period, except during the Christmas / New Year break and bank holidays.

Cherrytree is open to every family in the community. No child is rejected on grounds of age (subject to the usual limits of all admissions), gender, family status, disability, colour, ethnic origin, culture, religion or belief. Children are admitted in accordance with Kent County Council guidelines, i.e. three and four year olds eligible for a free Nursery Education place are given priority over younger children. Siblings of existing students come next in order of preference.