Childminder Development Officer

Within the Cognus Early Years Quality Assurance team, there is specific and tailored support available for Ofsted registered childminders. 

Our Childminder Adviser provides support as the first point of access for Ofsted registered childminders in the borough, promoting good Early Years practice to aim to ensure that all children benefit from high quality provision. 

  • Pre registration advice for those who wish to go on to become registered with Ofsted as a childminder
  • Home advisery visits for newly registered childminders
  • Annual Quality Assurance home advisery visit, with further visits available on request or by need
  • Pre Ofsted inspection preparation support
  • Grade improvement support
  • Termly networking meetings, that include high quality training
  • Quality Assurance scheme participation opportunities, including Healthy Early Years London and Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale (FCCERS)
  • Regular communications and updates around any changes to practice and legislation
  • Advice available by email, online meetings or by telephone

Support links and documents 

Safeguarding Support Contacts:

CFCS referral form 

Safeguarding Support for Sutton Schools – 2025-2026.docx

Introduction to the role of the LADO videos

https://www.suttonlscp.org.uk/lscp-induction-modules

LADO referral form

https://www.sutton.gov.uk/w/the-role-of-the-lado

Publications:

EYFS for childminders from 1st September 2025

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6874e14383d39f474eb7d373/Early_years_foundation_stage_statutory_framework_for_childminders_.pdf

Development Matters

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/64e6002a20ae890014f26cbc/DfE_Development_Matters_Report_Sep2023.pdf

Birth to 5 Matters

https://birthto5matters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Birthto5Matters-download.pdf

Guide to progress check at aged two

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6284c0a2e90e071f61322177/Progress_check_at_age_two_non-statutory_guidance_for_the_early_years_foundation_stage_.pdf

A Best Start in Life 

Homepage | Best Start in Life 

Government website to support Early Years practice

https://help-for-early-years-providers.education.gov.uk

To request advice and support, contact: 

Tania LongChildminder Adviser Email:  tania.long@cognus.org.uk 
Telephone:  07736 338223