Do you need to own your own home to become a childminder?

Question

I really want to become a childminder as i enjoy working with young children but also want my own children and believe that childminding will offer me the best of both as i wont need to give up work to raise my own children, but at them moment i do not own my own home and was unsure if you needed to. i live in the somerset area of england and have looked for information concerning this problem but cant find the answer!!!

Answer 1

no. but check with your landlord that you can run a business from your home. you will also get regular checks from OFSTED and so you need the money and permittance from the landlord to change loads to make the house more 'child-friendly'.

Answer 2

No, you do not have to own your own home, but you should talk with your landlord before doing it.

Answer 3

No, but you need to extend your liability insurance or the landlord would have every legal right to evict you by your increasing THEIR liability.

You may also need a business license and be zoned for it.

If I was a landlord and you were commerically taking care of kids (not simple babysitting once a week, but an on going commercial enterprise) I would expect you to carry $50,000 in medical coverage PER INCIDENT and $500,000 in general liability and wrongful death coverage.

A kid pushes another kid down and they crack their head and the family has no heath insurance the property owner is liable unless the renter has coverage.  If the landloard can establish you hid this business from them YOU become personally liable, as well as criminally.  WITH insurance unless you knocked them down, you are basically covered and protected.

Answer 4

You don't need to own your home!

I would ask the landlord though if he was ok with it.

Coucil tenants don't have a problem as I lived in a council house when I was a childminder and didn't need permission,

Asking is the best idea.

Answer 5

No you don't need to own your home, however the size of your home is a factor to how many children you can care for.

Here is a link you can ask them anything regarding your concerns about childminding.

http://www.ncma.org.uk/#80X0

National Childminding Association of England and Wales

NCMA's freephone Information Line offers help on all aspects of childminding on 0800 169 4486. It is open Monday to Friday from 10am - 4pm except public holidays.

You can also email [e-mail]

or write to:

NCMA

Royal Court

81 Tweedy Road

Bromley

Kent BR1 1TG

Answer 6

You will need to look at the terms of your tenancy, with regard to running a business from the premises.