Hiring and Sponsoring Childminders (SOC Code 6114)

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Hiring a childminder under SOC Code 6114 through the UK Skilled Worker visa route requires sponsors to understand occupational duties, salary thresholds, and Ofsted compliance. This guide covers everything UK employers and care providers need to know about sponsoring childminders.

For related support, explore Annaizu’s sponsorship compliance software, mock audit inspection readiness and mock audit preparation.

For 2026 checks, cross-check the latest GOV.UK 2026 immigration fees before making sponsorship or visa decisions.

Key Takeaways

Essential Points for Employers

• Childminders fall under SOC Code 6114 and can be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route.
• Sponsors must hold a valid sponsor licence before issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
• Childminders working in England must be registered with Ofsted or a childminder agency.
• Salary thresholds and going rates apply and must be met to avoid visa refusal.
• Right to work checks are mandatory before employment begins.

What Is SOC Code 6114?

SOC Code 6114 covers childminders and related childcare occupations. Workers in this category provide care, supervision, and early education to infants and young children, typically in domestic or community settings.

Typical Duties Under SOC 6114

• Supervising and caring for infants and children in a safe environment.
• Preparing nutritious meals and snacks appropriate to the child's age and dietary needs.
• Organising educational activities to support cognitive and social development.
• Maintaining records of children's progress and communicating with parents or guardians.
• Ensuring compliance with safeguarding policies and Ofsted requirements.
• Administering basic first aid and responding to medical needs when required.

Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility for Childminders

To sponsor a childminder under the Skilled Worker route, the role must meet the requirements set by the Home Office. SOC Code 6114 is listed as an eligible occupation, meaning sponsors can issue a CoS for qualifying candidates.

Points-Based Requirements

• The applicant must have a valid job offer from a licensed sponsor.
• The role must meet the required skill level for SOC 6114.
• The applicant must meet the minimum salary threshold or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher.
• The applicant must demonstrate English language proficiency to the required standard.

Salary Thresholds for SOC 6114

As of 2025, the general minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker visa applicants is £41,700 per year, or the going rate for the specific occupation code, whichever is higher. Sponsors should verify the current going rate for SOC 6114 on the official government guidance before issuing a CoS.

How to Sponsor a Childminder

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before sponsoring any worker, your organisation must hold a valid sponsor licence issued by the Home Office. You must demonstrate that your business is genuine, operates lawfully, and can fulfil sponsor duties.

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship

Once licenced, you can assign a CoS to the overseas childminder. The CoS contains details of the role, salary, and employment conditions. The worker uses this reference number as part of their visa application.

Step 3: Carry Out Right to Work Checks

Before the childminder starts work, you must conduct a compliant right to work check. This applies to both sponsored workers and those already in the UK with permission to work.

Step 4: Register with Ofsted

In England, childminders must be registered with Ofsted or an approved childminder agency before they can legally operate. Failure to register is a criminal offence. Similar registration requirements apply in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland with their respective regulatory bodies.

Step 5: Maintain Sponsor Compliance

As a sponsor, you are legally required to monitor the childminder's attendance, report changes in their circumstances to the Home Office, and keep accurate records throughout their employment.

Ofsted Registration and Compliance

Ofsted regulates early years childcare providers in England. Any individual providing childcare for children under the age of eight for more than two hours a day must be registered on the Ofsted Early Years Register.

What Ofsted Inspects

• The quality and impact of teaching and learning experiences provided to children.
• Personal development, behaviour, and welfare of children in care.
• Safeguarding arrangements and child protection policies.
• Leadership and management of the childcare setting.
• Overall effectiveness of the childminding provision.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

• Ofsted can suspend or cancel registration for serious breaches.
• Operating without registration can lead to prosecution and fines.
• A failed Ofsted inspection can trigger a Home Office review of your sponsor licence.

Childminder Agencies and Sponsorship

Childminder agencies are organisations approved by Ofsted to register and support childminders. If your organisation operates as a childminder agency, you may sponsor overseas childminders to work within your network, provided you hold a sponsor licence and the roles meet visa eligibility criteria.

Benefits of Using a Childminder Agency

• Agencies provide ongoing training, support, and quality assurance for childminders.
• Registration through an agency can be faster than direct Ofsted registration for some providers.
• Agencies help ensure compliance with safeguarding and welfare standards.

Right to Work Checks for Childminders

Employers must verify that every childminder has the legal right to work in the UK before their first day of employment. Failing to carry out a compliant check can result in a civil penalty of up to £60,000 per illegal worker.

Acceptable Methods for Right to Work Checks

• Manual check of original documents listed on the Home Office acceptable documents list.
• Online check using the Home Office online right to work checking service for those with a share code.
• Identity document validation technology (IDVT) check via a certified provider for British and Irish citizens.

Common Challenges When Sponsoring Childminders

Meeting the Salary Threshold

Childminding roles in the private sector do not always attract high salaries. Sponsors must ensure the offered salary meets both the general threshold and the occupation-specific going rate. Underpaying a sponsored worker is a serious compliance breach.

Maintaining Ofsted and Home Office Compliance Simultaneously

Balancing Ofsted registration requirements with Home Office sponsor duties can be complex. Both regulatory bodies have their own reporting timelines and requirements, and sponsors must meet both sets of obligations.

Record-Keeping Obligations

Sponsors must retain copies of identity documents, right to work evidence, and employment records for each sponsored worker. These records must be made available to the Home Office on request during a compliance visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a childminder be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa?

Yes. SOC Code 6114 is an eligible occupation under the Skilled Worker visa route, provided the sponsoring employer holds a valid sponsor licence and the role meets all salary and skills requirements.

Does a childminder need to be registered with Ofsted to be sponsored?

In England, childminders providing regulated childcare must register with Ofsted or an approved childminder agency. This is a legal requirement separate from visa sponsorship. Sponsors should ensure registration is in place before the childminder begins work.

What is the going rate for SOC Code 6114?

The going rate for SOC 6114 is set by the Home Office and is subject to change. Sponsors should always check the latest Appendix Skilled Occupations on gov.uk before assigning a CoS to ensure compliance with current thresholds.

Can a self-employed childminder be sponsored?

The Skilled Worker visa does not generally permit self-employment. Sponsored workers must be employed by the sponsoring organisation and must not work as a sole trader or in business on their own account.

What happens if an Ofsted inspection results in a poor rating?

A poor Ofsted outcome can affect both the childminder's registration and, in serious cases, may prompt the Home Office to review your sponsor licence. Sponsors should have robust quality assurance and safeguarding processes in place to avoid this outcome.

How long does it take to get a sponsor licence?

Standard applications are typically processed within eight weeks. Priority processing is available for an additional fee and can reduce this to around ten working days. Sponsors should plan ahead to avoid delays in hiring.

Conclusion

Sponsoring a childminder under SOC Code 6114 involves navigating both UK immigration rules and Ofsted regulatory requirements. Getting both right is essential to avoid compliance penalties and protect your sponsor licence. Annaizu helps UK employers manage sponsor licence duties, right to work checks, and workforce compliance in one place, making it easier to hire and retain overseas childcare workers with confidence.