Childminder profile page: what to include in the United Kingdom

What parents search for on Websta

Parents and carers search for childminders on Websta by entering their location and browsing profiles in their area. The marketplace lets them find childcare services by postcode or town. Your profile page is where they land to learn more about you, see photos of your setting, read about your experience and approach, and decide whether to contact you.

A complete profile helps you show up in these searches and gives families the information they need to decide quickly. The more detail you provide - about your qualifications, the ages you care for, your setting, and how to reach you - the more likely parents will get in touch.

Profile sections to complete

Your Websta profile should include the following sections to give parents a full picture of your childminding practice.

• About you and your experience - your background, training, years of childminding, and your approach to childcare
• Qualifications and certifications - level 2 or level 3 childcare qualifications, first aid training, DBS check status, and Ofsted registration if you have it
• Ages you care for - whether you take babies, toddlers, pre-school or school-age children, and how many children at a time
• Your setting - whether you work from home, an office, or another location; describe the space and facilities
• Services you offer - full-time, part-time, after-school care, holiday care, overnight care, or other arrangements
• Hours and availability - days and times you work, notice periods, and flexibility
• Contact form or booking method - how parents can reach you to ask questions or arrange a visit
• Photos - clear images of your setting, outdoor space, toys and activities, and yourself (never post children's faces without explicit parental consent)

Photos and what to show

Photos make your profile stand out and help parents imagine their child in your care. Take clear, well-lit pictures of your indoor space, outdoor play area, toys, books, and craft materials you use. A professional photo of yourself helps families recognise you. Show a typical day or activity if you can - children playing, meal times, or outdoor time. Never photograph children without written permission from their parents or guardians, and do not identify them by name or recognise their faces in public posts.

Languages on your profile

English is the main language most parents in the United Kingdom will search in. Write your profile in clear English. If you offer childminding in another language - or if you live in an area with significant non-English-speaking families - you may consider adding a second language section or a note about languages you speak. Websta lets you publish in multiple languages if you choose.

How to handle enquiries and bookings

Websta gives you a contact form where parents can send questions, request a quote, or ask to visit. You can also set up online booking if you prefer to let families reserve time slots directly. Many childminders use a mix: a contact form for initial enquiries and visits, and then sort out contracts and payment separately. Decide what works for you - whether you want parents to fill in a booking form, send a message, or call you first.

Payments for childminding services go through Websta using Stripe, so the money goes straight to your bank account. You set your own rates and payment terms.

Registration and legal requirements in the United Kingdom

Childminding in the United Kingdom is regulated. In England, Ofsted registers childminders who care for children under 8 years old for more than two hours a day (with some exceptions). In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, similar registration systems apply - check with your local authority to confirm the exact rules for your country and situation.

Before you advertise, check whether you need to register. You will also need a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, public liability insurance, and first aid training in paediatric resuscitation and first aid. Your local authority or childminding association can advise on the current requirements and how to apply. Have these in place before you take on children.

If you are self-employed, you will need to register with HMRC and pay tax and National Insurance. Keep records of income and expenses. Check the guidance on the HMRC website or speak to an accountant about what you need to do.

What to write in your first hour

When you first set up your Websta profile, focus on the essentials. Start with a short biography: your name, how many years you have been childminding, your qualifications, and what you love about the work. Add the ages you care for and your location (town or postcode). Write one or two sentences about your approach - whether you focus on play-based learning, outdoor activities, routine and structure, or anything else that matters to you.

Next, list your main services and availability. Write down which days and times you usually work, and whether you offer flexibility. Add your contact method - whether parents should fill in a form, send a message, or call. Upload at least one clear photo of yourself and your setting. You do not need to write everything perfectly at first. You can add more detail later, and parents will start to find you once your profile is live.