Information about Childminders

Advice on Childminders

If becoming a Childminder is what you have chosen as the best work option for you then here is some helpful information for you to read.

Childminders look after children in their own home and are registered with Ofsted, they are inspected every 3 years.

Registered childminders can often be flexible about the hours that they work and they should provide your child with lots of care, fun and learning activities. Activities can include visits to local parks, playgrounds, toy libraries, drop-in groups and community centres. Often children have the chance to make new friends with the other children within the setting

Every Childminder is different and will offer different levels of service, so look for someone who will suit your family.

Plus points for Childminding:

• Your child will be in a home environment
• Childminding can support families for years as children grow up
  
• Can be flexible hours
• Childminders observe and assess children's learning and developement by working with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, just as nurseries do. Accredited childminders can also provide the governments free childcare spaces for 3 and 4 year olds.

How do I know my child will be safe and secure?

First of all you know your child best - look for a Childminder you feel will be suitable for your child.

Childminders must be registered before they begin to work with children. This means checks are carried out to make sure they are suitable to care for children. All adults living in the Childminders’ household are also checked to make sure they have not carried out any offence against a child. A check on the home setting is also carried out as well to make sure it is safe and suitable for children.

After a Childminder is registered, every 3 years an inspection is carried out to make sure the Childcare provider is continuing to provide a safe and suitable service.

You can ask to see a Childminder’s registration certificate and latest inspection report. It is illegal to offer childminding services and look after other peoples children in exchange for money unless they are a close relative of the child.

How many children will there be with a Childminder?

A Childminder can care for up to six children aged under eight at any one time. Of those only 3 may be under five years old and of those 3, only one may be under 12 months old.

The Childminder’s own children are taken into account and counted in these numbers. Larger groups can be catered for in a setting where an assistant is available.

What age range are the children with a Childminder?

Children can go to a childminder from a few months old right through until they reach secondary school.

When are Childminders open?

Childminders are self-employed and so they decide on their own working hours. Most Childminders will provide you with childcare between the hours of 8am and 6pm. Some Childminders will work early mornings, evenings and weekends as well. You will need to negotiate hours, terms and conditions with the child care provider direct.

What about part-time Childcare?

Many Childminders are happy to provide families with part-time places for children. They often drop children off at school and pick them up but may also take your child to a playgroup or pre-school as part of the routine.

How much does this type of Childcare cost?

Childminders set their charges themselves. Charges vary in different areas. There is no national rate but most Childminders will charge between £60 and £120 per child per week for full-time care.

How do I find a childminder?

Ask your local Childcare Information Service for advice about Childminders in your area.

Or join Totally Childcare today and find a Childminder local to you.