Register as a childminder (Scotland)

You must register with the Care Inspectorate if you want to become a childminder in Scotland

Apply for this licence

You must register online with the Care Inspectorate if you want to become a childminder in Scotland.

You must register if you’re paid to look after children:

All the adults living or working at the home where you’re based must also register.

You don’t have to register to do babysitting.

The registration fee is £28. There is also an annual continuation fee of £17.

The Care Inspectorate will:

check your references
carry out Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme checks and Disclosure Scotland criminal records checks (fees apply)
check anyone else who will be living or working at the home
inspect the home

You’ll receive a certificate that shows you’re a registered childminder if you’re approved. This usually takes between 2 and 3 months.

You must keep your certificate of registration - or a copy of it - where it can be easily seen.

You could be fined £5,000, sent to prison, or both, if you work as or advertise for work as a childminder without registering.