Why choose a childminder?

Childminders provide a flexible service and look after children on domestic premises, usually in the childminder's own home. A childminder can often be flexible about the hours they work and some childminders can accommodate unsociable working hours. They can provide out of school care and care for siblings of different ages and provide your child with lots of care, fun and education.

Childminders make the most of playgrounds, local parks, toddler groups, toy libraries, community centres and local attractions such as zoos, farms and indoor play centres. This gives the children the opportunity to become friends with not only the children in your chosen childminders setting, but the children minded by other childminders. This provides them with a wide range of interaction with other children from different backgrounds.

Childminders offer care for children from a few weeks of age until their teenage years, thus providing a valuable continuity of care in both environment and carer. From a young age your child will benefit from the security of familiar surroundings and people. Low adult to child ratios result in the childminder giving your child the full attention he/she deserves and enables the childminder to take the children on outings, which encourage your child's emotional and social development.

How can I be sure my child will be safe and secure?

All childminders must be registered with Ofsted before they begin to work with children. Checks are carried out to ensure they are suitable to care for children. Childminders must have a first aid certificate.

Anyone over the age of 16 years living in the childminder's house are also police checked to make sure they have not carried out any offence against children. Checks are made on the childminder's home to make sure it is suitable and safe for children.

Once a childminder is registered, regular inspections are carried out by Ofsted to ensure the childminder continues to provide a safe, secure and suitable service.

You should ask to see the childminder's registration certificate and latest inspection report. It should be noted that it is illegal for an unregistered person to look after children for reward.

How many children will there be with a childminder?

There will be a maximum of 6 children under 8, no more than 3 of whom will be under 5 and with, normally only one child being under the age of 1, however a childminder may be registered to care for 4 children under 5 and/or 2 children under 1 where they can show they can meet the varying needs of all children being cared for. The childminders´ own children are included in these ratios.

Some childminders work with assistants and in these circumstances may look after larger groups of children, all assistants are also Ofsted registered.

How can I help my childminder look after my children?

You should discuss any difficulties with the childminder as soon as they arise, often lack of communication leads to misunderstandings, which can easily be avoided.

It is important to work together as much as possible in the child's interests. Your arrangement with a childminder is a business agreement - keep him/her informed of any changes in the child's routine, and any holidays that you are planning when the childminder will not be required. Give consideration to statutory holidays, e.g., Easter, bank holidays, etc.

Small details, like punctuality when dropping off or picking up your child, will greatly enhance your working relationship.

What questions should I ask to help me choose a childminder?

This is not a definitive guide but these tips cover some of the issues that are relevant for you and your child when choosing a childminder:-

What arrangements for alternative care can the childminder provide if s/he is ill?
Ask to see registration, public liability insurance and first aid certificates.
Ask about other adults in the house
Talk about feeding, learning, TV watching and discipline policies.
Does the childminder provide "messy and creative play" for the children to participate in?
Ask to see all the rooms and garden where your child might be cared for.
If you are late collecting your child how much extra will you have to pay?
How much do you have to pay if your child does not attend for any reason?
Does the childminder drop off/pick up from school?
Does the childminder attend Childminding Support Groups or parent and toddler groups, with minded children?
Are meals and outings included in the rate charged, or will additional charges be made
Are there any pets in the childminders house, do the children come into contact with them?
Does the childminder drive and will s/he be transporting your child by car. If so do they have the appropriate car insurance and car safety equipment, such as car seats?
How long has the childminder been childminding and can they provide references from a previous parent or a telephone number of a parent who presently uses them?