Childminder
Look after people's children while their parents are at work or studying.
About the job
A day in the life – Childminder
What it's like
Looking for a flexible career in childcare where you can be your own boss? In this job, you'll look after children while their parents are at work or studying.
As a childminder, you'll keep children safe, warm and well-fed. You'll spend time playing, chatting and reading with them – you can have great fun in this role!
During the day, you'll look after babies and children under five years old. You'll supervise older children after school or throughout school holiday periods.
As a childminder, you'll look after children in your own home. Some childminders work together in childminding hubs or shared premises.
The safety of children in your care will be your top priority. As part of this, you'll have a good knowledge of child protection issues. You'll run a house that's clean, tidy and hygienic.
Childminders also carry out parents' requests for their children's diet, health routines and religion.
Your tasks might include:
planning, preparing and serving the children’s meals
changing nappies and making up bottles for babies
offering a range of play activities, both indoors and outside, to help children develop
taking children on outings, for example to the park or toddler groups
bringing children to and from playgroup, nursery or school
giving parents updates on what their children have been doing while in your care
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) – learn how to become a childminder
Care Inspectorate – check out the organisation that registers childminders in Scotland
Disclosure Scotland – find out more about the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Childminder'
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- motivating others
- mentoring
- attention to detail
- social conscience
- empathising
- verbal communication
- listening
- supporting
- positive attitude
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Care
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Skills for Work: Early Education and Childcare
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Social Services Children and Young People
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You don't need any qualifications to become a childminder – it's more about the life experience and skills you can bring to the role.
Many childminders have worked in schools or nurseries previously. But people move into the profession from many different backgrounds!
Register with the Care Inspectorate
Before your application, you should complete some short courses that show you're prepared to care for children safely and responsibly.
You should take courses that cover these topics:
child protection or safeguarding
paediatric first aid
food hygiene
introduction to childminding or early learning basics
These courses are offered by the Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA), local councils, colleges or private training providers. The My World of Work course search pulls in some of these training opportunities.
Next, you can register with the Care Inspectorate. They'll check that your home is suitable, call on your references and help you apply for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme.
It's a good idea to do some research and find out if there's a demand for childminders in your local area.
Childminders are self-employed. It may be useful to learn more about setting up your own business.
Although it's not essential, experience of working with children is very useful.
Childminders must be at least 18 years old.
Everyone aged 16 or over who lives with you (including adult children) will undergo Disclosure Scotland criminal record checks.
Once you’re registered with the Care Inspectorate, you'll do continuous professional learning (CPL) to keep your childminding skills up to date.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Childminder'
