Childminding training and services

Pre-registration childminding course

Islington pre-registration training is for Islington residents who are interested in becoming a childminder. This free course is part of our pathway to becoming registered with Ofsted.

For more information and to book contact Renate Laux, Childminding and Childcare Information Officer:

• Email: renate.laux@islington.gov.uk
• Phone: 020 7527 5927

Apply for a start-up grant after registration

Eligible new childminders who registered with Ofsted or a childminder agency after 15 March 2023 can apply for a Government start-up grant to recover the cost of registering as a childminder. If you registered with Ofsted you'll get £600.

To find out more about the grant, visit GOV.UK.

Childminder forum

The Childminder Forum meets termly and is open to all Islington childminders and their assistants. Join us to share ideas about best practice in early years and childcare, find out about local issues and events, Ofsted and safeguarding updates, childcare funding and support on offer for childminders. It’s a great way to meet your childminding coordinators and colleagues. Some meetings take place online and some are face-to-face in a variety of venues.

The agenda is sent out two weeks before in the Bright Start newsletter. Sign up to receive the Bright Start newsletter where reminder dates are posted. If you have any agenda item that you would like to discuss, contact joanne.hunter@islington.gov.uk or sandra.nicholson@islington.gov.uk.

Training 

We offer a range of training courses, and they are managed through MyLearning. Childminders need to have a MyLearning account to find and book on training. Request an account to get access to training courses. 

15 and 30 hours funding

Childminders can offer free early education places. Speak to your childminding coordinator or find out more on early years funding.

Register of Good Practice 

Our Register of Good Practice supports early years practitioners in their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). The Register is split into areas of expertise and childminders are encouraged to contact directly to arrange a visit to see how they do things.  

Advertise your services

Islington's Family Information Service, (FIS), is a telephone and web-based information and advice service. Islington childminders can advertise their services with the FIS including current and future vacancies.  

Contact 

Jo Hunter, Childminding Coordinator

• Email: joanne.hunter@islington.gov.uk
• Telephone: 020 7527 1994

Sandra Nicholson, Childminding Coordinator

• Email: sandra.nicholson@islington.gov.uk
• Telephone: 020 7527 6704

Renate Laux, Childminding and Childcare Information Officer

• Email: renate.laux@islington.gov.uk 
• Telephone: 020 7527 5927