How to Become a Childminder in Scotland
Scotland runs its own childcare regulation system, separate from England's, with its own regulator, its own registration process, and its own framework for early learning and childcare. If you're based in Scotland, here's what the process actually involves.
1. Understand who regulates childminding in Scotland
Childminders in Scotland register with the Care Inspectorate, not Ofsted. The Care Inspectorate regulates a wide range of care services in Scotland, including childminding, and carries out the equivalent role that Ofsted performs in England.
2. Complete the required training
Before registering, you'll typically need:
- A paediatric first aid certificate from an approved provider
- Training covering child protection and safeguarding
- An understanding of Scotland's early learning and childcare framework, including the "Realising the Ambition" guidance and the Health and Social Care Standards that apply to registered childminders
Exact training requirements are set by the Care Inspectorate and can be updated, so confirm the current list before booking courses.
3. Apply for a PVG check
Scotland uses the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme, run by Disclosure Scotland, rather than England's DBS check. You'll need a PVG check for yourself and for any other adult living in your household. This is a different system from the DBS, so if you've previously had a DBS check for other work (including in England), you'll still need to apply for a PVG check separately for childminding in Scotland.
4. Prepare your home
The Care Inspectorate will assess whether your home is suitable and safe for the number and ages of children you plan to care for, including fire safety, general hygiene and safety, safe storage of medicines and hazardous items, and access to safe outdoor space.
5. Submit your registration application
You'll apply to the Care Inspectorate with your personal details, household information, qualification evidence, PVG check, references, and the relevant registration fee (reviewed periodically; check the current amount directly with the Care Inspectorate). As part of the process, you'll typically need to demonstrate your understanding of your responsibilities as a registered childminder, including safeguarding and the standards you'll be inspected against.
6. The inspection visit
As in England, expect a visit to assess your home and discuss your understanding of your responsibilities. This isn't designed to catch you out; it's a genuine check that you and your home are ready for the role.
7. Arrange insurance
Public liability insurance isn't optional in practice, even though it isn't bundled into registration itself. Most Scottish childminders arrange this through a specialist childcare insurance provider, and many parents will expect to see evidence of it.
8. Get your policies and contract ready
Once you're registered, you'll need a set of policies covering safeguarding, behaviour, health and safety, and more, plus a clear written contract for each family covering fees, hours, and terms. Sorting this out before your first enquiry lands means you're not writing it under time pressure. GoChildmind generates a full contract and policy set from a single survey about your setting, which can save a significant amount of that setup time.
How long does it take?
As with England's process, the biggest variable is usually how quickly your PVG check clears and how promptly your required training courses are available locally. Budgeting three to six months from starting the process to being fully registered is realistic.
Registration requirements, fees, and processes are reviewed periodically by the Care Inspectorate. Always check the current guidance directly on the Care Inspectorate website or mygov.scot before making decisions based on this article.