Consider a career in childminding in 2026
Monday, January 12, 2026
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.
“Childminders play a vital role in our district. It’s important that we attract more people who are passionate about giving children the best start in life to such a valuable profession.
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.”
Cllr Margaret Isherwood
Cabinet Member for Children and Young People
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.
Kirsty has been a childminder in the Wakefield district for over six years.
She said: “Becoming a childminder was a straightforward process. I completed all the relevant training and was given some useful information from the Council and other childminders in the area. 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. My setting was soon established within the local area, and it didn’t take me long to fill the spaces.
“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. There are so many benefits including having the freedom to create your own curriculum. And being able to plan lots of fun and educational experiences in and out of the setting. 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.
“I absolutely would recommend considering a career as a childminder to anyone who is passionate about making a difference to young children. You get so much job satisfaction, and it almost doesn’t feel like work at all when you’re having fun and doing lots of wonderful activities with the children. There are many opportunities for training to help you with your professional development. I have a great support network with other childminders in the Wakefield district too.”
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.