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Registering as a childminder will be simplified on 1 September when Ofsted's Early Years Directorate takes over responsibility from local authorities, creating a uniform process across England. In Wales, responsibility will be transferred to the Welsh Assembly, while in Scotland, it will remain with local authorities.

Until then, you should contact your local authority to register. There is a fee of 12.50 and you will be given information on costs, grants (the Government have introduced new start-up grants of between 50 and Pounds 600 for new childminders) and training.

The process should take no more than 12 weeks, but be prepared for it to take six months or more. You will be: asked to attend an open evening and a training course (lasting around six weeks), covering first aid and the practical aspects of starting up subject - along with other live-in members of your household, frequent day-time visitors and any sexual partners - to checks by police and the criminal records office subject to health and safety inspections on your house, garden and car asked to provide personal references, give a declaration on your state of health and give permission for the authority to approach your GP if necessary.