How to set up a new childcare or play provision, or become a childminder

If you want to set up a new childcare or play provision in Newham, or to become a registered childminder, you will need to consider a number of things, including:-

• What are the different types of childcare and play provision?
• Where are the gaps? Is there a need for my service, and where?
• Do I need to register my provision with OFSTED?
• Premises, planning permission, building regulations and health and safety checks
• The legal structure of a business; business planning and business support
• Funding and sustainability
• Criminal Records Bureau checks, training and qualifications
• Developing policies and procedures
• Quality assurance
• What is the Early Years Foundation Stage?

We have information about all these areas and can support you to work through each stage of setting up your provision or becoming a childminder.

In the first instance you should contact the Family Information Service (FIS) via email customer.services@newham.gov.uk or by calling 020 8430 2000. They will send you some initial information and refer you to someone who can advise you further. It may also be helpful to look at the Ofsted website.