Wakefield Council is encouraging people who are passionate about giving children the best start in life to consider becoming childminders.

There is a national shortage of childminders, but demand has increased with more wraparound childcare places available as part of the Government funded Best Start in Life programme.

This is in addition to the existing childcare offer of 15 hours free for all families and 30 hours free for working families with children under five.

Wraparound childcare is before and after school childcare for primary school aged children which can be taken with a childminder.

Kirsty has been a childminder in the Wakefield district for over six years.

placeholder image — Kirsty has been a childminder in the Wakefield district for over six years.

Kirsty, who has been a childminder in the Wakefield district for over six years, said becoming a childminder was a straightforward process.

"The timeframe from starting my training and submitting my application, to having my registration visit from Ofsted, was relatively quick.

"The council then came out to visit me and helped set me up to offer funded places.

“The best part of being a childminder for me is seeing how far the children come in their early years development and being a part of that journey.

"There’s something special and heartwarming about making a difference to young people’s lives.

"I love the flexibility being a childminder gives you, as being your own boss means you can choose your working hours to suit you and your family.”

Coun Margaret Isherwood, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “We’ve lost 120 childminders in our district since 2020. But with more wraparound childcare places demand is higher than ever.

“Being a childminder is a rewarding and flexible job allowing people to see the children they care for develop and grow whilst being able to work from the comfort of their own home.”

Childminders are classed as self-employed and the Council and other partners help them to access the support they need to get started.

Applicants may be able to access financial support of £1,000 to kickstart their business which is funded by the national wraparound childcare programme.

Anyone who is interested in learning more about becoming a childminder can call the council’s team on 0800 587 8042 to get a free information pack.