Childminders
Childminders are an ideal form of childcare if you want your child cared for in a home environment or if you have children of different ages and want them to be cared for together.
A childminder offers a childcare service for children aged 6 weeks and upwards usually within the childminder's own home. If they are offering care to under 8’s for more than 2 hours per day they must be registered. However, a close relative does not need to register in order to care for a family member.
Childminders are self-employed and can be flexible about the hours they work and fees that they charge. Most provide care between 8am and 6pm but some will work early mornings, evenings and weekends aswell. Many childminders are happy to offer part-time places for children and also to offer additional services – some will drop off and pick up from schools or take a younger child to a playgroup if required.
Charges vary in different areas and there is no national rate. However, if you use a registered childminder you may be eligible for help with costs via the tax credit system or via your employer or training provider. Click here for more details.
To register, all childminders have to apply to Ofsted. They undergo health and home safety checks and, together with other members of the household over 16, have to be checked by the criminal records bureau to ensure that they are suitable to care for children. Once registered, they are inspected regularly by Ofsted.
Childminders are encouraged to attend training to prepare them for registration and to ensure that their skills and knowledge are kept up-to-date once registered. An increasing number hold a recognised childcare qualification and also undertaking quality assurance schemes to demonstrate the high quality of care that they offer.
