You can attend an introductory childminding briefing that covers everything you need to prepare to register as a childminder. Your local council can give you information on where to find a briefing.

The aim is to make sure that you understand what is involved before making a decision about whether it's the right career for you.

You'll need:

• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to work well with others
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to work well under pressure
• excellent verbal communication skills
• a desire to help people
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks
• pass a medical check

As a childminder, you will:

• provide inspirational learning activities
• offer safe play activities, both indoors and outside
• plan, prepare and serve meals
• change nappies and make up bottles for babies
• take older children to and from playgroup or school
• record accidents and report child safety concerns
• speak to parents and carers about their child's day

You could work from home.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding and outdoors some of the time.