Childminder
Look after people's children in your own home whilst their parents are at work or studying.
About the job
A day in the life – Childminder
What it's like
You would look after people’s children in your own home whilst their parents are at work or studying.
You’d make the children feel safe and keep them warm and well-fed. You’d spend time playing, chatting and reading. You’d enjoy having fun with them.
You could look after babies and children under five during the day or older children after school and in the school holidays.
You would:
Plan, prepare and serve the children’s meals
Change nappies and make up bottles for babies
Offer a range of play activities, both indoors and outside, to help children develop
Take children on outings, for example to the park or to toddler groups
Take children to and from playgroup or school
You’d need to make sure they are safe when they are with you, so you’d need to know about child protection issues, and that your house is clean and hygienic.
You’d carry out parents' requests for their children's diet, routines and religion. You’d also tell them about what their children have been doing when they are with you.
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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.
There are no formal qualifications required to enter this self-employed role, though a relevant care or childcare qualification such as a National Certificate in Child Care may be of value.
Work-based experience and qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Children’s Care, Learning and Development (SVQ level 2/3)
First Aid Certificate
Practical cookery skills
The Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) runs approved short courses through local colleges.
Experience of working with children is very useful.
You must be at least 18 years old.
You must be registered with the Care Inspectorate to look after a child in your home for more than two hours every day. The Care Inspectorate will visit your home to assess safety and your suitability to mind children. They will undertake further checks each year.
You will require a Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme record check for yourself. You will also require Disclosure Scotland criminal record checks (or equivalent) for all those aged over 16, including your adult children, who live with you.
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