Childminder profile on Websta in Gibraltar: what to include

What to put on your Websta profile as a childminder

Your profile page should include a clear description of the childminding service you offer: the age groups you care for, whether you offer full-time, part-time or after-school care, and any specific approach or activities you focus on. A photo of yourself and, if parents consent, photos of your home environment, outdoor space or activities help families get a sense of who you are and where their child would spend time.

Set out the services you provide - for example, weekday care, weekend care, emergency childminding, school drop-off and pick-up, meal preparation, help with homework, or other support. For each service, you decide the price and add it to your profile. Parents can see what you offer and contact you with a quote request or booking inquiry through the platform.

Add your location (parents search by town and service) and the languages you work in. If you are comfortable communicating in Spanish, English, or both, say so on your profile. List your contact details and make sure the contact form and booking feature are switched on so families can reach you.

• A photo of yourself and your childminding space
• Age groups you care for and types of care you offer
• Services you provide with prices you set
• Your location in Gibraltar
• Languages you work in
• A working contact form and quote-request or booking system

How parents in Gibraltar search for childminders

Parents in Gibraltar who need childcare search on Websta by location and service type. The marketplace is organised by service category and place, so a parent looking for a childminder will browse the childcare section, enter their town or area, and see available providers. Because Gibraltar is small, most searches will return results across the whole territory rather than in separate districts.

Parents may post a task or project describing what they need - for example, 'After-school care for a 7-year-old on Mondays and Wednesdays' - and childminders can make offers on those tasks. Alternatively, they browse profiles directly and contact providers who match their needs. Having clear, complete information on your profile helps families find and choose you.

Languages for your profile

Most childminding in Gibraltar happens in English, but many families speak Spanish at home or may be more comfortable in Spanish. Publishing your profile in English is essential. If you are confident working and communicating with parents in Spanish, add a Spanish version of your profile - this can significantly broaden who finds you. You decide which languages to use.

At minimum, make sure your service names, descriptions and contact information are clear and free of spelling errors. Parents are often in a hurry when searching for childcare and will move on quickly from a profile that is unclear.

What to sort out before you start

Before you advertise as a childminder in Gibraltar, check the rules and requirements with the Gibraltar Government's education and social services authority. Requirements for childminders - such as training, registration, space standards, or safeguarding checks - vary by country and region. Gibraltar may have specific rules about who can work as a childminder and what qualifications or permits are needed. Contact the relevant local authority to confirm what applies to you.

If you are self-employed or a sole trader, make sure your tax and business registration are in order. You will need a bank account to receive payments through Stripe, the payment processor Websta uses. When a parent pays through Websta, the money goes to your own bank account - you handle your own invoicing and tax reporting.

Think about insurance. Many childminders carry public liability insurance to protect themselves and families in case of accidents. Check what is recommended or required in Gibraltar.

What to write in your first hour

Start by writing a short, honest description of who you are and what you offer. Say how many children you care for at a time, the age groups you work with, your experience, and any training or qualifications you have. Parents want to know your background and whether you are the right fit for their child.

List the specific services you provide. For example: weekday childminding from 7:30 to 18:00, weekend care, school runs, packed lunch provision, outdoor play, indoor activities and learning. Be specific so parents know what to expect.

Add at least one good photo - of yourself, or of your childminding space, or both - and set your contact details to 'visible'. If you have testimonials or references from parents you have worked with, you can add these later. Your goal in the first hour is to have a complete, truthful profile that parents can read and contact you through.

Payment and working with Websta

You set the prices for your services. Websta does not set pricing for you. When a parent books or pays through your profile, the money is processed through Stripe and paid into your own bank account. You receive payments directly - Websta handles the transaction, but you keep the money.

You are responsible for your own invoicing, record-keeping and tax reporting. Set up a business bank account if you do not already have one, and make sure you can access your Stripe dashboard to track payments and disputes.

Why a Websta profile matters

Many childminders in Gibraltar work through word-of-mouth or informal networks. A Websta profile puts you in front of parents who are actively searching online for childcare in your area. It is a free, simple way to build a web presence without needing to build your own website or advertise elsewhere. Parents can see your information, photos and services all in one place, book or send you a quote request, and pay securely through the platform.