Childcare and early years

Working in childcare

There are lots of different careers and roles in childcare. You could become a teaching assistant, an early years practitioner, a childminder, or you might like to volunteer.

Childcare setting
Careers in childcare briefing session

Find out about the different pathways and jobs in childcare and the qualifications involved with our Careers in childcare briefing session.

During the session, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions and we can also support you in taking the next step in your career.

Book onto the Careers in childcare briefing session


Becoming a childminder

If you're interested in becoming a childminder, before registering with Ofsted you must:

  • attend the childminder briefing session and
  • complete the training course and paediatric first aid course.

Childminder briefing session

At this online session, held at Brookfield Adult Learning Centre (Uxbridge), you will learn about the:

  • process of registering as a childminder with Ofsted
  • factors you need to consider when thinking about childminding - for example, resources, health and safety, diet and nutrition
  • range of advice and support available from our early years quality team

You will also be given details about the 12-hour paediatric first aid course you need to complete.

Book onto the Childminder briefing session 

Setting up home-based childcare training course

As part of this 18-week course, each week you will attend a 2.5 hour session to cover topics including:

  • health and safety
  • childminding as a business
  • child protection/safeguarding
  • managing behaviour
  • working with parents
  • establishing routines
  • special needs
  • equality, diversity and inclusive practice
  • diet and nutrition 
  • play, learning and development.

To register your interest, email zparker@hillingdon.gov.uk.

Page last updated: 07 Mar 2023