Childminders

Childminders are self-employed carers based in their own homes. A Childminder must be registered with OfSTED which makes annual checks on a childminder and their home to ensure they are safe. The childminder, and any other adults in their home, are given a police check. A childminder is allowed to look after up to six children under eight years old including children of their own - but only three of them should be aged under five.

Ideal If:

• you need flexible care because of irregular working hours or shifts which do not fit in with a normal 8am-6pm nursery day. Some childminders will provide overnight care
• you want a home environment where your child can easily form a one-to-one relationship with the carer and mix with children of different ages
• you have children of different ages and want them to be cared for together
• you want childcare that offers continuity. Childminders can care for any age child, and will often collect children from school.
  

Not so suitable if:

• you feel your child may need more space and stimulation with children of a similar age - especially relevant for older children
• you think that, because the childminder is based in their own home, you'll have little control over your child's care
• you feel you won't be comfortable, or in agreement, with their approach to looking after children.
  

Always Check:

• that a childminder is registered with OfSTED. They should also be able to provide a public liability insurance certificate. It is not compulsory to be a member of the National Childminding Association, but those who are will have had input and possibly training from this body
• their home is a good, safe and stimulating environment, and that they have a first aid certificate
• that, if your child will be travelling by car, the childminder has appropriate and properly fitted car seats
• the contract - which you've both agreed - covers hours, hourly pay, illness, holiday pay, overtime and length of notice to end the agreement.

Questions to Ask

• how long have they been childminding, how long do they intend to continue, and can they give you the name and telephone number of other parents they work for? They should be happy for you to follow up these references
• what are the ages of the other children they look after - including their own- and which ones will be there at the same time as your child? It's a good idea to book one of your preliminary visits when these children are there, to see how well they mix
• what is the childminder's routine? How often do they take the children out, and where?
• what age-relevant activities will they do with your child? How much time do the children in their care spend watching television? What kind of food do they provide?
• can you negotiate for the childminder to take your child to extra activities, such as ballet classes, cubs, pre-school etc?
• what is their attitude and policy on key issues like sleep, potty training and setting boundaries for behaviour? Be sure that you discuss and agree on the approach you would like them to take with your child.
• how does the childminder fit in household chores? Do they shop, or take other children to school while your child is in their care?
  There are bound to be jobs they do while your child is napping, and occasions when they go out to the shops. But how often and how will it affect your child's day?
• what other adults will be in the house, and how do those adults feel about the arrangement? Can you meet them?
• check what the arrangements are if your child is ill, and who the childminder would call on in an emergency. For example, if they had to take one child home or to hospital, who would care for the others?