Childminder profile on Websta: how to set up in France

What your Websta profile should contain

Your profile page acts as a simple website for your childminding service. Parents in France will look for you by service type and location, so the basics need to be clear and complete.

Start with a profile photo - a simple, clear headshot works best. Many childminders also add photos of their childminding space: the play area, outdoor space if you have one, any equipment or materials you use. Parents want to see where their child will be cared for.

Write a short introduction about yourself - your experience, approach to childcare, and what age groups you work with. Keep it plain and factual: your training, how long you have been working in childcare, whether you specialise in particular age groups, and your daily routine or philosophy if relevant.

Your services section should cover the essentials: babysitting, childminding by the hour or day, after-school care, school holiday care, or overnight care if you offer it. Be specific about the ages you accept and any limits on numbers.

The booking or contact section of your profile lets parents reach you directly to ask questions or request a time slot. You can choose whether to offer online booking for specific time slots, or a contact form where parents send a message and you reply with availability. For childminding, many providers prefer the contact form so you can discuss the child's needs and your schedule first.

Which languages to use on your profile

Write your profile in French. Most of your customers will be French-speaking parents searching locally. If you speak English or another language fluently and want to note that you can care for English-speaking children or help with language, you can add a line about it, but your main profile should be in French so parents find you in local searches.

How parents in France search for childminders

Parents look for childminding help through the Websta marketplace by service type and location. On Websta, they can search for childcare providers by town or postcode and see profiles of childminders nearby, along with photos, services offered, and contact details.

Parents also look through personal networks, local Facebook groups, and word-of-mouth recommendations. A Websta profile makes you discoverable to parents who do not know you yet. Being findable by location is important because most families want a childminder close to their home or workplace.

Registering as a self-employed childminder in France

As an independent childminder in France, you need to register as a self-employed provider and understand the rules that apply to you. The rules differ depending on how many children you care for and whether you work from home or in another setting.

If you care for three or more unrelated children at the same time, you are classified as an assistant maternel (childminding assistant) and must meet specific conditions set by your local authorities. Check with the mairie (town hall) in your town to confirm the exact rules that apply where you work - registration requirements, training, maximum number of children you can care for, and inspections or home checks.

If you care for fewer than three children, or if you look after children only occasionally, the rules may be different. Again, contact your local town hall or the departmental childcare office (Direction de la solidarité) to understand what applies to your situation.

You will also need to register as self-employed with the appropriate business registry. Many childminders in France register through the URSSAF (social security authority) or a micro-entrepreneur scheme if that applies. Tax obligations depend on your income and structure.

What to sort out before you start accepting bookings

Before you take on customers through Websta, make sure your legal status is clear. Confirm with your town hall or local childcare office that you meet the requirements for your area. If training or certification is required, ensure you have it.

Think about your insurance. As a self-employed childminder, you need public liability insurance that covers the children in your care. Ask your insurer whether your household policy covers childminding or whether you need a separate professional policy.

Set your rates and hours. Decide how much you charge per hour, day or week, and which hours and days you work. Write this clearly on your profile so parents know what to expect.

Sort out how you will handle payment. Websta uses Stripe to pay you directly to your bank account when customers pay by card. You will need a Stripe account linked to your French bank details.

What to write in your first hour

Start with the basics. Write your name, add a clear photo of yourself, and write one paragraph about who you are and why you care for children - your experience, how long you have worked in childcare, what you enjoy about it.

List the services you offer: for example, 'childminding Monday to Friday, 7.30 am to 6 pm', 'after-school care', 'holiday childminding', or 'babysitting weekends'. Be specific about the ages you accept.

Add your town or area so parents know where you are. You do not need to publish your full address on your profile.

Write a short note about your approach: for example, whether you focus on play-based learning, outdoor time, meals you provide, or anything else that matters to you. Keep it factual and simple.

Add a contact section or enable booking so parents can reach you. A phone number and email are usually enough. You can add more detail to your profile later - photos of your space, more about your experience, or your full opening hours.

How Websta works for childminders

Websta gives you a profile page that works like a simple website. Parents nearby search for childcare by location and can see your profile, photos, services and contact details. They can send you a message through a contact form or, if you set it up, request a booking directly.

Payments go through Stripe: when a customer pays by card, the money is sent to your own bank account. You control what you charge and when you are available. Websta does not take a cut of what you earn - you keep all payments from customers.