Latest Childminder News and Updates
Here are the latest additions and updates to our Childminder Guides, Childminder Paperwork and other childminder resources.
• Search our Resource Library which contains hundreds of online guides and resources.
13th November 2025
Complaints Policy updated in Childminder Paperwork > Childminder Polices and Procedures
5th November 2025
Monthly Activity Planning Overview 2025 added to Childminder Guides > Planning
New Climate Change section added in preparation of the requirements for early years settings to have a Climate Action Plan by the end of 2025.
Monthly World Around Us Activities added to Childminder Guides > Climate Change
Monthly Nature Activities added to Childminder Guides > Planning
25th October 2024
November 2024 Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
15th October 2024
Childminding Assistants & Staff updated in Childminder Guides
Childminding Assistants & Staff Training added to Childminder Guides > Childminder Assistants and Staff
26th September 2024
October 2024 Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
26th August 2024
September 2024 Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
9th August 2024
Civil Unrests Risk Assessments added to Childminder Guides > Risk Assessments
26th July 2024
August 2024 Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
Childminder Employing an Assistant added to Childminder Guides > How to Register as a Childminder in England
Retention Periods Guidance updated in Childminder Paperwork > Data Protection
25th June 2024
Mini A5 Childminder Diary [editable in Word format] added to Childminder Paperwork > Childminder Diary
24th June 2024
July 2024 Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
Home Learning for Parents added to Childminder Paperwork > Sharing Information with Parents
20th June 2024
Childminder Risk Assessments updated in Childminder Guides > Risk Assessments
E-safety and Online Health & Safety updated in Childminder Paperwork > Information Sheets for Parents
Caring for Animals updated in Childminder Guides > Learning & Development
24th May 2024
Free webinars for June and July 2024 added to Webinars
Free subscription to Short Courses unlimited from Laser Learning (over 150 courses) now available to gold members
June 2024 Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
Friendships added to Childminder Paperwork > Childminder Audits
Summer Activity Planning in the Garden added to Childminder Guides > Planning
Science Experiments added to Childminder Paperwork > Changes to the EYFS
6th May 2024
Allergy Advice for Early Years Providers added to Childminder Guides > Food and Health
3rd May 2024
Quick Activity Guides for the 7 Areas of Learning added to Childminder Paperwork > Changes to the EYFS
Quick Activity Guides for different Ages of Children added to Childminder Paperwork > Changes to the EYFS
Baby Training Theorists added to Childminder Paperwork > Changes to the EYFS
29th April 2024
May 2024 Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
Staff & Assistants added to Childminder Paperwork > Childminder Audits
Staff Supervision added to Childminder Paperwork > Childminder Audits
Staff & the EYFS 2024 added to Childminder Paperwork > Childminder Audits
Sample Funding Fees Invoice added to Funding Fees Policy Guidance
26th March 2024
April 2024 Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
13th March 2024
Funding Fees Policy guidance updated to include sample Inclusion policy, EYPP / DAF policy, Pattern of delivery policy and SEND local offer which are required by some LAs.
27th February 2024
New Childminder Audits added for Books, Promoting Confidence and Expressive Arts & Design in Childminder Paperwork > Childminder Audits
March 2024 Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
15th February 2024
The 7 Areas of Learning educational programmes and activity planning guides added to Childminder Paperwork > Changes to the EYFS
11th February 2024
Spring Activity Book, Spring & New Life, Summer Activity Book, Summer Activity Planning, Summer Reading Challenge, Autumn Activity Book and Winter Activity Book all updated in Activities & Resources
Statutory Record Keeping Audit, Support for Home Learning Audit, The Childcare Register Audit, The Ofsted Inspection Handbook Audit, EYFS Compliance Audit updated in Childminder Paperwork > Childminder Audits
31st January 2024
Statutory Record Keeping Forms for Childminders updated in Childminder Paperwork
30th January 2024
New Parents Pack updated in Childminder Paperwork > New Parents - Registration, Permissions & Safeguarding
29th January 2024
Childminder Contract and contract completion guidance updated in Childminder Paperwork > Childminder Contracts
28th January 2024
Fees Policy updated in Childminder Policies
26th January 2024
Funding Fees Policy Guidance - advice for childminders on how to deal with funding issues
February 2024 Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
Behaviour Policy updated in Childminder Policies
Staff Audits added to Childminder Paperwork > Childminder Audits
8th January 2024
EYFS Toolkit updated for Changes to the EYFS 2024
7th January 2024
Complaints Policy updated in Childminder Policies
Progress Check at 2 updated in Childminder Guides
2nd January 2024
Childminder Registration Checklist updated in Childminder Guides > How to Register as a Childminder in England
19th December 2023
Audit the EYFS 2024 (Safeguarding & Welfare Requirements) added to Childminder Guides > Safeguarding
15th December 2023
January 2024 Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
Learning & Development guides updated in Childminder Guides > Learning & Development
Quick Guide to Ofsted Inspection added to Ofsted Inspection Preparation Pack
14th December 2023
One of our biggest updates ever! Huge changes across a wide range of areas in preparation of the EYFS 2024 including:
Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy
Childminder Assistant Contracts
Characteristics of Effective Learning (COEL)
Glossary of Safeguarding Terms
Glossary of Early Years Documents
Managing a Safeguarding Complaint
Teaching Children about Safeguarding
24th November 2023
December 2023 Group Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
Book Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
23rd November 2023
Childminders and Safeguarding - all guides fully updated in Childminder Guides > Safeguarding
16th November 2023
How to Register as a Childminder in England - all guides fully updated in Childminder Guides
14th November 2023
Complaints Policy updated in Childminder Policies
7th November 2023
2024 Calendar added to Activities & Resources
6th November 2023
Free 100+ page 2024 Childminder Organiser for all childminders added to Childminder Paperwork
Free 32 page 2024 Childminder Diary for all childminders added to Childminder Paperwork
Free 2024 Childminder Budget Planner for all childminders added to Childminder Paperwork
20th October 2023
November 2023 Group Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
2024 Group Planning Overview added to Childminder Guides > Planning
Communication & Language Assessment added to Childminder Paperwork > Changes to the EYFS
25th September 2023
October 2023 Group Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
Contract Addendum updated in Childminder Paperwork > Childminder Contracts (This is for making changes to existing contracts)
11th September 2023
Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy updated in Childminder Paperwork > Childminder Polices and Procedures
9th September 2023
Legislation updates for Childminders from September 2023
Parent Partnerships all guides updated in Childminder Guides > Parent Partnerships
29th August 2023
September 2023 Group Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
Children's use of Play Areas Audit added to Childminder Paperwork > Childminder Audits
Introduction to Sharing Information with Parents added to Childminder Paperwork > Information Sheets for Parents
No Children on roll during Ofsted inspection added to Ofsted Inspection Preparation Pack
20th August 2023
Childminder Polices & Procedures all updated for the EYFS 2023 from September 2023
30th July 2023
Caring for children with Special Educational Needs fully updated in Childminder Guides > SEND
21st July 2023
Animal & Pet Policy added to Childminder Paperwork > Childminder Policies & Procedures
August 2023 Group Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
12th July 2023
Ofsted Inspection Preparation Pack added to Childminder Guides > Inspections
10th July 2023
New Audits: Baby Rooms, Communication with Parents, EYFS Compliance, Information Sharing with Parents, Outside Play Zones & Safe Sleep added to Childminder Paperwork > Audits
Ofsted Good & Outstanding Guidance added to Childminder Guides > Inspections
Free webinars for August 2023 added to Webinars
29th June 2023
Working with Other Settings updated in Childminder Guides > Learning & Development
Mini-audit - Working with Other Settings updated in Childminder Paperwork > Childminder Audits
Outside Play guides updated in Childminder Guides
Teaching Maths - 12 part series fully updated in Childminder Guides
26th June 2023
July 2023 Group Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
Snack time in Early Years Settings added to Childminder Guides > Food and Health
25th May 2023
Free Creative Steps Magazine Summer 2023 online edition now available for gold members
Maths Audit added to Childminders Paperwork > Childminder Audits
Songs and Books of the Week added to Childminders Guides > Planning > Weekly Themed Planning
Healthy Eating of the Week added to Childminders Guides > Planning > Weekly Themed Planning
24th May 2023
June 2023 Group Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
Health & Safety Toolkit updated in Childminder Guides
Developing Children’s Vocabulary in the Early Years updated in Childminder Guides > The Ofsted Early Years Inspection Handbook
Communication and Language Toolkit added to Childminder Paperwork > Changes to the EYFS from September 2021
Writing a Behaviour Plan added to Childminder Guides > Behaviour
Non-Prescribed Medication added to Childminder Paperwork > Information Sheets for Parents
Medication Handover added to Childminder Paperwork > Information Sheets for Parents
Confidentiality added to Childminder Paperwork > Information Sheets for Parents
18th May 2023
Children's Behaviour - 12 chapters updated in Childminder Guides > Children's Behaviour
Paperwork for Ofsted Registered Childminders updated in Childminder Guides > Childminder Paperwork and Admin
17th May 2023
Self-regulation added to Childminder Guides > Provision Planning Guides
Childminder Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
Planning Webs updated in Childminder Guides > Planning
Making Displays updated in Childminder Guides > Sharing Learning with Parents
Engaging Children in their Learning updated in Childminder Guides > Learning Journeys for Childminders
Supporting Transitions updated in Childminder Guides > Learning Journeys for Childminders
Promoting Inclusion added to Childminder Guides > SEND
Promoting Disability updated in Childminder Guides > SEND
Promoting Equality of Opportunity updated in Childminder Guides > SEND
Guidance on Risk Assessments updated in Childminder Guides > Risk Assessments
Food and Drink guides updated in Childminder Guides > Food and Health
Healthy Bodies and Healthy Minds updated in Childminder Guides > Food and Health
Quick Focus Activities updated in Childminder Guides > Planning
Racism in the Early Years updated in Childminder Guides > Safeguarding
Risky Play in Early Years Provision updated in Childminder Guides > Outside Play
Childminders and Online Safety updated in Childminder Guides > Safeguarding
Managing Individual Needs updated in Childminder Guides > SEND
Listening to Children & Parents updated in Childminder Guides > SEND
12th May 2023
How to register as a childminder in England updated in Childminder Guides
10th May 2023
Weekly Themed Planning added to Planning
Free webinars for June 2023 added to Webinars
27th April 2023
Free webinars for July 2023 added to Webinars
May 2023 Group Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
Audit the Childcare Register added to Childminder Paperwork > Childminder Audits
27th March 2023
Running a Toddler Group added to Help & Advice
24th March 2023
Free webinars for April and May 2023 added to Webinars
April 2023 Group Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
Audit the Ofsted Inspection Handbook added to Childminder Paperwork > Childminder Audits
Audit the EYFS Safeguarding Requirements added to Childminder Paperwork > Childminder Audits
2nd March 2023
Sample Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy updated. Appendix 2 & Appendix 8 also updated in Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and Procedures
1st March 2023
Childminding Assistants and Staff section fully updated in Childminder Guides
27th February 2023
March 2023 Group Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
2023 Childminder Budget Planner added to Childminder Paperwork
8th February 2023
Scotland Childminder Guides added to Childminder Guides
27th January 2023
February 2023 Group Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
Free webinars for March 2023 added to Webinars
Preparing to work in Home-based Childcare Qualification (HBCA) CACHE Level 3 now available including 3 months free gold membership
7th January 2023
Action Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) added to Childminder Guides
23rd December 2022
January 2023 Group Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
Ofsted Pre-Inspection Checklist added to Childminder Guides > Childminder Inspections
New free webinars for February 2023 added to Webinars
30th November 2022
The Winter 2022 issue of Creative Steps magazine is now available to read online for gold members.
New free webinars for January 2023 added to Webinars
29th November 2022
December 2022 Group Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
2023 Childminder Planning Overview added to Childminder Guides > Planning
2023 Calendar added to Activites & Resources
2023 Childminder Diary added to Childminder Paperwork
What you need and where to find it added to Childminder Paperwork
15th November 2022
December Special Days planning activities guide added to Childminder Guides > Planning
26th October 2022
Free 100+ page Childminder 2023 Organiser now available
Menopause in Early Years Provisions added to Childminder Guides > Childminding Assistants and Staff
November 2022 Group Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
26th September 2022
Free guide for Childminders Suspended by Ofsted added to Childminder Guides > Childminder Inspections
Attendance Register for multiple children added to Childminder Paperwork > Statutory Record Keeping Forms
25th September 2022
October 2022 Group Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
21st September 2022
Autumn 2022 Creative Steps Magazine now available to view online free for gold members
12th September 2022
Setting up a Nursery added to Help and Advice
Heatwave Information added to Childminder Guides
Notice Boards added to Childminder Paperwork > Useful Documents
25th August 2022
September 2022 Group Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
13th August 2022
30 Hours Funding - all guides fully updated in Childminder Guides
23rd July 2022
August 2022 Group Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
Glossary of Safeguarding Terms updated in Childminder Paperwork
27th June 2022
July 2022 Group Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
Is your child ready for the toilet? added to Childminder Paperwork > Information Sheets for Parents
Accident, Injury and First Aid Form updated in Childminder Paperwork > Sharing Information with Parents
4th June 2022
Preparing Children for School fully updated in Childminder Guides
Read more about School Readiness
3rd June 2022
Updates to Care Plan and Child Safeguarding File in Childminder Paperwork
27th May 2022
FREE Summer 2022 edition of Creative Steps magazine now available online for gold members.
24th May 2022
Our Childminder Guides area has now been fully updated to make our extensive resources easy to find.
June 2022 Group Planning added to Childminder Guides > Planning
Data Protection and Video Doorbells added to Childminder Paperwork > Data Protection
Glossary of Early Years documents added to Childminder Paperwork
24th May 2022
Our biggest update ever to our Childminder Paperwork section.
Now even easier to navigate with updated and new sections including Statutory Record Keeping Forms, Useful Documents, Child Safeguarding File, Parent Pack, New Parents Forms, Learning & Development and Sharing Information with Parents.
9th May 2022
Childminder Audits [NEW] - Over 30 audits for your childminding setting to help ensure you are compliant with regulations and legislation.
6th May 2022
Finishing Childminding Checklist - [NEW]
Childminder Accounts - [NEW] 11 part guide for childminders about accounts added
Care Plan - fully updated
Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and Procedures - fully updated
5th May 2022
Updates to all Childminder Policies and Procedures
Updated Complaints Record Form in Free Childminder Paperwork
27th April 2022
May 2022 Planning added to Childminder Guides
28th March 2022
April 2022 Planning added to Childminder Guides
24th March 2022
Data Protection Guidance for Early Years Providers added to Childminder Guides
14th March 2022
Sustainability Planning added to Childminder Guides
Supporting Children with Bereavement added to Childminder Guides
10th March 2022
Health & Safety Policy updated in Childminder Policies
Healthy Eating Policy updated in Childminder Policies
3rd March 2022
Complaints Policy updated in Childminder Policies
28th February 2022
March 2022 Planning added to Childminder Guides
25th February 2022
Spring 2022 Creative Steps Magazine now available to view online - free for gold members
24th February 2022
Illness and Infection Control Procedures updated in Childminder Policies
12th February 2022
Planning Webs updated in Childminder Guides
10th February 2022
Parent Questionnaires for Childminders added to Free Childminder Paperwork
Resources in Childminder Guides fully updated:
Environments for Play & Learning
Resources and the 7 Areas of Learning
Resources for 0 to 1 year olds
Resources for 1 to 2 year olds
Resources for 2 to 3 year olds
Resources for 3 to 4 year olds
Resources to Promote Diversity
Resources to Promote Multiculturalism
2nd February 2022
Various record forms updated in Childminder Paperwork
27th January 2022
February 2022 Planning added to Childminder Guides
13th January 2022
This new guidance links continuous provision planning to learning intentions. It has been provided to support early years providers recognise the amazing flexibility of their continuous provision:
Linking your Continuous Provision to Learning Intentions
Additional Policies & Documents updated in Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and Procedures
Ofsted Update
During January 2022, Ofsted will be contacting some registered early years childminders who have inspections overdue or not recently been inspected to ask for details on current working arrangements and contact information. Selected childminders will receive a link via email to a Microsoft form for completion. Ofsted will only send this to the email address registered with them. The aim of this exercise is to capture up-to-date contact details and minding arrangements to help inform and direct future inspection activity. Ofsted would like to encourage those contacted to please respond as soon as possible. Approximately 1700 childminders will be emailed during January and they will contact more groups of childminders each month during the first half of 2022.
12th January 2022
New free webinars for February and March now available for registration
23rd December 2021
Introduction to 2022 Planning added to Childminder Guides
January 2022 Planning added to Childminder Guides
16th December 2021
The DfE has updated their Covid-19 FAQ for Childminders
2nd December 2021
Care Plan updated in Free Childminder Paperwork - 14 new free guides about care plans
30th November 2021
Winter Wellbeing Pack added including Winter Group Planning, Winter Activities and Covid-19 guidance
Creative Steps Magazine - Winter 2021 issue now available online free for gold members
29th November 2021
December 2021 Planning added to Childminder Guides
10th November 2021
Child Registration Form updated in Free Childminder Paperwork
Emergency Contact Form updated in Free Childminder Paperwork
Statutory Permissions Form updated in Free Childminder Paperwork
Non-Prescribed Medication Admission Permission Form added to Free Childminder Paperwork
Leaving an Assistant Unsupervised with a Child Permissions Form added to Free Childminder Paperwork
Sharing information with other Settings and Professionals Permissions Form added to Free Childminder Paperwork
Childminder Parent-Provider Contract updated in Childminding Contracts
Childminder Contract Completion Guidance added to Childminding Contracts
Contract Addendum updated in Childminding Contracts
Contract Termination Letter updated in Free Childminder Paperwork
9th November 2021
All GDPR documents have been updated.
GDPR Q&A updated in Free Childminder Paperwork
Planning for GDPR updated in Free Childminder Paperwork
Data Audit updated in Free Childminder Paperwork
Data Breach Register updated in Free Childminder Paperwork
Data Sharing Agreements updated in Free Childminder Paperwork
Writing a Privacy Notice updated in Free Childminder Paperwork
Data Protection & Children updated in Free Childminder Paperwork
Photographs of Children & GDPR updated in Free Childminder Paperwork
Data Protection & Staff updated in Free Childminder Paperwork
Training your staff about GDPR updated in Free Childminder Paperwork
3rd November 2021
Free Childminder Organiser - 79 page 2022 childminder organiser now available to all members
The 3 I's: Intent, Implementation and Impact - added to EYFS Resources
23rd October 2021
November 2021 Planning added to Childminder Guides
14th October 2021
Progress Check at 2 guides, sample form and sample targetted plan have been updated
Progress Check at 2 - Guide for 2021
Progress Check at 2 - Guide for Parents
Progress Check at 2 - Sample Form
Progress Check at 2 - Sample Targeted Plan
27th September 2021
October 2021 Planning added to Childminder Guides
20th September 2021
Permissions Form in Word and PDF format updated in Free Childminder Paperwork
Childminder Safeguarding Q&A - updated
Sleeping Babies & Children - updated in Information Sheets for Parents
10th September 2021
Using Birth to 5 Matters in Practice - free video discussion with Donna Gaywood - Project Coordinator for Birth to 5 Matters
9th September 2021
Childcare.co.uk have written to the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children and Families in England, Vicky Ford, in relation to comments she made in an exchange in the House of Commons with shadow children and early years minister Tulip Siddiq regarding a decline in the number of childcare providers since the start of 2001. We have received a number of concerns from our registered childminder community that the comments are dismissive and disrespectful, appearing to imply that childminders are less important than nursery settings. Read more
7th September 2021
Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and Procedures added to Childminder Policies
5th September 2021
Parents guide to the EYFS updated in EYFS Resources
Retention Periods for Documents - information for parents has been updated
29th August 2021
September 2021 Planning added to Childminder Guides
EYFS Changes 2021 added to EYFS Resources - 26 page overview to the changes.
21st August 2021
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS, 2021) has been updated to include the requirement: ‘The provider must promote the good health, including the oral health, of children attending the setting.’ EYFS 2021 requirement 3.45, statutory from 1st September 2021.
We have produced 27 Oral Health Resources and guides for childcare providers to help them comply with the new requirements.
15th August 2021
Covid-19 Self-Isolation Changes from 16th August 2021 including 2 DfE Q&A documents
11th August 2021
Supporting Transitions updated in Childminder Guides
Engaging Parents in their Child’s Learning added to Childminder Guides
Engaging Children in their Learning added to Childminder Guides
30th July 2021
New 7 chapter series on Learning and Development added to Childminder Guides
Learning and Development - Introduction
Learning and Development - All About Me and Starting Points
Learning and Development - Observation and Assessment
Learning and Development - Individual Planning
Learning and Development - Group Planning
Learning and Development - Continuous Provision Planning
Learning and Development - Evaluation
29th July 2021
August 2021 Planning added to Childminder Guides
Resources linked to the 7 Areas of Learning updated in Childminder Guides
Developing Children’s Vocabulary in the Early Years updated in Childminder Guides
Babysitting Checklist updated in Childminder Guides
Floor Space Requirements added to Childminder Guides
28th July 2021
Ofsted answer your questions about the revised EYFS 2021 - Watch our video discussion with senior Ofsted inspectors
9th July 2021
New - Childminder Policies and Procedures for the revised EYFS from September 2021
New - Series of 89 Parent Information Guides
7th July 2021
You can now download personalised webinar certificates for webinars you have attended from the My Certificates page.
30th June 2021
July 2021 planning added to Childminder Guides
23rd June 2021
Our biggest update ever!
Changes to the EYFS from September 2021 - Comprehensive guide featuring all the information you need to know with supporting resources and documents
Curriculum by Age - 5 new guides
Planning Overview - 8 new guides
Provision Planning Guides - 7 new guides
Themed Planning - 43 new guides
Continuous Provision Planning - 24 new guides
Schemas and Schema Play Guides - 15 new guides
Child Development Guidance - 2 new guides
Quick Assessment Checks - 10 new guides
Assessment Toolkits - 9 new guides
Progress Check at 2 - new guide, sample form and sample targeted plan
26th May 2021
June 2021 planning added to Childminder Guides
Planning Permission updated in Childminder Guides
Childminders and Jury Service added to Childminder Guides
Managing a Safeguarding Complaint added to Childminder Guides
14th May 2021
Exclusive Video Discussion with Dr Julian Grenier - Lead Writer of Development Matters (part 2). Our members' questions answered by the writer himself.
5th May 2021
Free Safeguarding Quick Reference Cards updated
28th April 2021
May 2021 planning added to Childminder Guides
Contract Addendum updated in Childminder Contracts
Contract Termination Letter updated in Childminder Paperwork
Paperwork for Ofsted Registered Childminders (43 page guide) updated in Childminder Guides
Ofsted Inspection from May 2021 added to Childminder Guides
Planning Permission added to Childminder Guides
Planning Permission - Government information letter added to Childminder Guides
5th April 2021
25th March 2021
April 2021 planning added to Childminder Guides
Ofsted inspections may restart after Easter - Read our free guide on how to deal with Ofsted inspection anxiety
19th March 2021
News - Childminders in England can now order rapid lateral flow COVID-19 tests for home delivery
10th March 2021
April 2021 Webinars added to Webinars
1st March 2021
My Profile - Please ensure that your profile is up-to-date and that you have provided us with your correct childminder registration details. We do not show your registration number to others but use the information to verify your registration status. To update your profile go to My Profile.
28th Febraury 2021
March 2021 planning added to Childminder Guides
Overnight Care Childminders added to Childminder Guides
Outside Kitchen Recipes added to Childminder Guides
26th Febraury 2021
News - Early years workers and teachers will not get vaccine priority
24th February 2021
March 2021 Webinars added to Webinars
23rd January 2021
Using Learning Journeys to Engage Children updated in Childminder Guides
Using Learning Journeys to Engage Parents updated in Childminder Guides
Information for parents about the EYFS added to Childminder Guides
22nd Februay 2021
News - Reported coronavirus cases in early years settings continue to rise
16th February 2021
News - Confusion over early years vaccine priority
12th February 2021
News - DfE releases funding for trainees
10th February 2021
News - Update from DfE Early Years Stakeholder meeting
27th January 2021
The process of informing Ofsted about a serious childcare incident changes on 28th January 2021.
February 2021 group planning added to Childminder Guides
10th January 2021
Childminder Organiser 2021 updated to show correct date of Chinese New year
8th January 2021
News - Childcare.co.uk write to the Prime Minister requesting priority vaccines and access to fast, in-setting, tests for early years workers.
6th January 2021
Can school aged children of a critical worker parent attend a childminder instead of school?
Childcare.co.uk have spoken to the DfE about such a scenario and the DfE have stated that, under the current 'national lockdown: stay at home' childcare information, a school child with a critical worker parent should be able to attend their childminder if they, for example, cannot access a space at school or if parents feel it would be safer for the child to be with their childminder.
5th January 2021
Read our email newsletter to childcare providers in relation to national lockdown 3
4th January 2021
Coronavirus Risk Assessment added to Coronavirus Toolkit
26th December 2020
Updates to SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) in Childminder Guides
Caring for Children with Special Education Needs (SEND) Introduction
Chapter 1 - Supporting Children with SEND
Chapter 2 - Children with SEND at inspection
Chapter 3 - Listening to children and parents
Chapter 4 - Planning for children with SEND
Chapter 5 - Managing children's individual needs
Chapter 6 - Inclusion and an Audit
Chapter 7 - SENCO toolkit
Promoting Equality of Opportunity
23rd December 2020
Introduction to 2021 planning added to Childminder Guides
January 2021 group planning added to Childminder Guides
22nd December 2020
FREE Posters updated to reflect the reduction in the self-isolation period, from 14 days to 10 days, for contacts of people with a positive coronavirus test.
Things to do if a child or staff member has symptoms of Coronavirus
Coronavirus information for parents with children in childcare settings
15th December 2020
Free webinars for January 2021 added to Webinars
25th November 2020
December 2020 group planning added to Childminder Guides
24th November 2020
What to do if a childminder's own child has been told to self-isolate in England
14th November 2020
Free webinars for December added to Webinars
5th November 2020
Free 94 page 2021 Childminder Organiser now available for all childminders.
2nd November 2020
Retention periods for documents added to Childminder Guides
28th October 2020
November 2020 group planning added to Childminder Guides
26th October 2020
Exclusive video interview presentation with Dr Julian Grenier - Lead Writer of Development Matters 2020
News - Some of the things we have achieved so far during the Covid-19 pandemic
28th September 2020
October 2020 group planning added to Childminder Guides
23rd September 2020
DfE UPDATE: The DfE have today confirmed that the Progress Check at 2 will no longer be required during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
22nd September 2020
FREE Poster: Coronavirus information for parents with children in childcare settings
21st September 2020
New Webinar: EYFS and Development Matters 2020 (for providers in ENGLAND only)
Thursday 1st October 7.30pm
Price: FREE
Limited to 1000 places > Reserve Place
Webinar Access: Enter Webinar on the date/time once registered
Watch again: Gold members can watch again on Webinar Player
14th September 2020
The written Progress Check at 2 will be statutory again from 25th September 2020.
Read our Progress Check at 2 FAQ and download a free Progress Check at 2 sample Parent Letter, Report Form and Targeted Plan document.
12th September 2020
October Webinars added to Webinars
New free Educare training courses for gold members: Creating an Effective Communication and Language Environment and Effective Transition and Emotional Wellbeing in the Early Years
3rd September 2020
News - DfE release updated version of the non-statutory Development Matters guidance
29th August 2020
September 2020 group planning added to Childminder Guides
Annual Safeguarding Update added to Childminder Guides
Preparing for Local Lockdown added to Coronavirus Toolkit
Are you OK? The impact of Coronavirus added to Coronavirus Toolkit
New guides added to Top Tips for Starting School in September
September Webinars added to Webinars
4th August 2020
Childminder Contracts updated in the light of CMA open letter to early years providers
CMA Early Years Investigation FAQ for childcare providers
28th July 2020
New and Updated Safeguarding information guides:
Safeguarding Update [July 2020]
Safeguarding and Staff [Updated July 2020]
Safeguarding Staff Audit [New July 2020]
Safeguarding File Contents [Updated July 2020]
Safeguarding Audit [Updated July 2020]
Parental Responsibility [Updated July 2020]
Paperwork for the Childcare Register added to Childminder Guides
News - Findings of CMA investigation into the Early Years sector published
August 2020 group planning added to Childminder Guides
New guides added to Starting school in September
15th July 2020
New webinars added for August. Watch previous webinars on Webinar Player
Debt Management guide updated in Free Childminder Paperwork
Starting School in September - new guides added for Explaining Germs to Children and Organising your Day
3rd July 2020
Steps to Reopening Childminding Settings added to Coronavirus Toolkit
2nd July 2020
News - Updated DfE Coronavirus Guidance
News - New early adopter version of the EYFS
29th June 2020
Welcome Booklet added to Childminders Guides
25th June 2020
Managing Childminder Assistants added to Childminder Guides
July 2020 group planning added to Childminder Guides
News - British childcare industry bounces back as demand doubles
19th June 2020
Free Poster - Things to do if a child or staff member has symptoms of Coronavirus
Webinars - new free webinars added for July. Watch previous webinars on Webinar Player.
14th June 2020
News - Financial Support for Childminders
2nd June 2020
News - Expired First Aid Certificates can be extended until 30th September 2020
31st May 2020
Parent Discussions added to Childminder Toolkit
29th May 2020
Childcare.co.uk writes to government with - A plea from the early years sector for more financial support and guidance
News - Self-Employment income support scheme extended for June, July and August
27th May 2020
June 2020 Group Planning adding to Childminder Guides
26th May 2020
Steps to controlling coronavirus for early years settings
Arrivals & Departures policy updated in Childminder Policies
- Instead of informing parents that their child’s artwork can be collected at the end of the day, your policy should be adapted to say that the child will, for example, be helped to take a photograph of the artwork which can then be shared with parents.
Supporting Home Learning added to Childminder Toolkit.
Staying in Touch - Staying Safe added to Childminder Toolkit.
24th May 2020
Parent Survey added to Childminder Toolkit
21st May 2020
Free Return to Work Coronavirus training video for childminders and early years settings
19th May 2020
Cleaning and Disinfecting your Childcare Setting added to Childminder Toolkit
18th May 2020
Support Vulnerable Staff added to Childminder Toolkit
17th May 2020
Coronavirus Risk Assessment has been Updated
Staff Anxiety & Stress added to Childminder Toolkit
15th May 2020
In order to help childminders return to work after closure due to Coronavirus we have produced this FREE childminder toolkit containing free childminder contracts, free policies & procedures, free risk assessments, free paperwork, free webinars and lots more. PDF documents are free for all members and Word versions are for gold members only. All paperwork has been updated in relation to Covid-19.
12th May 2020
News - Childminders CAN now reopen on 13th May to provide childcare to the children of one household
News - Government says childminders should be prepared to reopen from 1st June
11th May 2020
News - Government releases its COVID-19 recovery strategy but childminders are left more confused than before
Returning to Work: Learning & Development - New 16 page guide to help childminders returning to work.
News - Prime Minister Boris Johnson fails to even mention the early years sector during his speech to the nation as more and more childminders and nurseries continue to shut their doors forever#
Learning Journeys - Introduction has been updated in Childminder Guides
Learning Journeys - At the Start has been updated in Childminder Guides
Learning Journeys - Gathering Information has been updated in Childminder Guides
Learning Journeys - Observation has been updated in Childminder Guides
Learning Journeys - Assessment and CoEL has been updated in Childminder Guides
Learning Journeys - Using Early Years Outcomes has been updated in Childminder Guides
Learning Journeys - Individual Planning has been updated in Childminder Guides
Learning Journeys - Group Planning has been updated in Childminder Guides
Learning Journeys - Continuous Provision Planning has been updated in Childminder Guides
Learning Journeys - Tracking Progress has been updated in Childminder Guides
Learning Journeys - All About Me Now has been updated in Childminder Guides
Learning Journeys - Progress Check at 2 has been updated in Childminder Guides
Learning Journeys - Evaluation has been updated in Childminder Guides
7th May 2020
News - Government releases its COVID-19 recovery strategy but childminders are left more confused than before
Free Coronavirus Risk Assessment added for childminders
Free Coronavirus Early Years training video presentation added for childminders
Medication Administration Record updated in Free Childminder Paperwork
All Childminder Policies & Procedures have been updated
Can you charge parents if you can't provide childcare? - CMA investigation into childcare providers
6th May 2020
News - Government says it's fine to hire a nanny during lockdown but registered childminders and nurseries must remain closed for the majority
5th May 2020
News - 1 in 4 families are happy keeping lockdown life and 72% say it has brought them closer together
27th April 2020
May Group Planning added to Childminder Guides
Childminders can now get a free Coronavirus test
Has your first aid or safeguarding certificate expired? Find out what you should do
24th April 2020
News - Free Coronavirus tests for Childminders & Early Years Workers
22nd April 2020
News - Nearly a sixth of childcare providers set to close permanently due to Covid-19
Illness and Infection Control Procedures have been updated in Childminder Policies
Illness and Infection Record Form has been updated in Childminder Paperwork
20th April 2020
Childcare Providers and Corona Virus FAQ has been updated
Childminder Contracts and Fees Policy updated - Read more about the updates
Top Tips for starting school in September - useful for both childminders and parents
More free webinars - catch up on previous webinars on Webinar Player
9th April 2020
News - Nearly 1 in 4 parents say they are more likely to home school their children after the Coronavirus pandemic is over
26th March 2020
News - Financial support for self-employed Childminders announced by the chancellor
April Group Planning added to Childminder Guides
23rd March 2020
News - Childminders: URGENT - Tell the government you need more help - Deadline TODAY at 5pm
6th March 2020
Registering a Childminder Assistant added to Childminder Guides
4th March 2020
Safeguarding Q&A added to Childminder Guides
3rd March 2020
Childminding Assistant contracts updated in both PDF and Word versions.
Legislation is changing from April 2020 and this will impact on new contracts drawn up to protect employers and employees – in this case childminders and assistants.
You will see the changes in red. These changes must be made for all new employees from April 2020.
28th February 2020
March Group Planning added to Childminder Guides
29th January 2020
February Group Planning added to Childminder Guides
15th December 2019
The new Childcare.co.uk 2020 group planning has been written with Ofsted’s new Early Years Inspection handbook in mind and the expectation to show intent, implementation and impact.
These 2020 planning guides – an introduction guide to talk you through the rationale of the new inspection framework and one guide for each month of the year – will allow you to demonstrate your knowledge rich curriculum confidently. Your job will be to ensure your planning is sequenced effectively for the individual child.
Ofsted have clearly stated in their recent training and blogs that early years providers do not need to show evidence of written planning during inspection, but do need to be able to discuss how they teach children about, for example, the world around them, similarities and differences and world festivals and celebrations.
2020 Group Planning Introduction added to Childminder Guides
January Group Planning added to Childminder Guides
8th December 2019
Curriculum Questions & Answers added to Childminder Guides
Unannounced Ofsted Inspections has been updated in Childminder Guides
21st October 2019
Childminder Planning guide added to The Ofsted Early Years Inspection Handbook
Development Matters and Early Years Outcomes added to Early Years Outcomes
Characteristics of Effective Learning - Chapter 1 has been updated
Characteristics of Effective Learning - Chapter 2 has been updated
Characteristics of Effective Learning - Chapter 3 has been updated
20th October 2019
New Q&A on Learning & Development at Inspection
19th October 2019
Monthly Planning November 2019
Making Displays has been updated
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Dealing with Inspection Outcomes has been updated
18th October 2019
Childminding Assistants and Staff section updated
Working with a Childminding Assistant (includes a useful checklist)
Staff Contract (example) [PDF]
Staff Contract (example) [Microsoft Word]
Working with a self-employed assistant
30th September 2019
Emergency Planning has been updated
Moving House and Ofsted has been updated
Notice Boards and Childminders has been updated
4th September 2019
Letters and Sounds in Provision Planning
27th August 2019
Monthly Planning September 2019
18th August 2019
Paperwork for Childminders - 42 page guide to statutory and recommended documents that every childminder needs.
Ofsted New Inspection Framework - Questions & Answers
1st August 2019
Medication Policy and Procedures in Childminder Policies 
Growth Mindset in Provision Planning
29th June 2019
Reading to Early Years Children
21st June 2019
New section on the new Ofsted Early Years Inspection Handbook including 5 information guides.
Preparing for the Early Years Inspection
Developing Children’s Vocabulary in the Early Years
25th May 2019
Healthy Bodies and Healthy Minds
26th April 2019
Communication & Language Toolkit
29th March 2019
The Revised Ofsted Inspection Framework 2019 - Chapter 2
28th February 2019
The Revised Ofsted Inspection Framework 2019 - Chapter 1
30th January 2019
Monthly Planning February 2019
Planning and Resourcing the Early Years Environment
31st December 2018
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