Ages Catered For

Childminders may care for a maximum of six children, at one time, three under 5's of whom two can be under 2 (some childminders are registered to care for two children under the age of 1) and a maximum of three 5-8 year olds. This includes their own children under the age of 8. Additional children aged between 8 and 14 will also be taken into consideration when deciding on how many children a childminder can care for, however, the childminder does not have to be registered for this age group.

Registration

All childminders must be registered with (and inspected annually by) OfSTED under the Children Act and meet the National Standards for under 8's daycare and childminding. Childminders are also required to talk out public liability insurance.

Staffing/Qualifications

Most childminders work alone or sometimes with an approved assistant.  Occasionally you will find groups of childminders working together in a partnership or in networks. All childminders undergo childcare training and have a First Aid qualification. Most also undertake further training. Many have experience of looking after and raising their own children.

Cost and Allocation of Places

Childminders are entitled to set their own fees and this varies not only from minder to minder but from area to area. Most childminders charge by the hour and you may find that they charge a higher rate for part time places, due to the difficulties in matching vacancies. Most childminders will expect you to settle your child in and will require some payment for this period. Childminders do not usually hold waiting lists and so will advertise their vacancies with the Family Information Service as soon as they arise.

Issues to Consider

• Start looking for a childminder well in advance
• Make second visits to the people you liked and ask to see all the areas that your  child will be using
• Are you and your child made to feel welcome?
• Contact other parents as referees
• Be clear about what type of care you want and the hours you want it
• Be prepared to spend time setting your child in
• What facilities do they have for changing nappies, feeding and changing?
• Are there emergency arrangements with another childminder?
• Will there be anyone else in the house with your childminder?
• Do they drive?
• Do they have pets?
• What training have they had?
• Do they take the children out?

   

  What Support is Available to Childminders?

  Each childminder is allocated an OfSTED inspector who offers support, advice and information. There is also a national organisation for childminders known as the National Childminding Association (NCMA) who offer a wide range of services to childminders and parents regarding issues such as insurance and training. We also have a Childminder Support Team who can answer questions you may have about using a childminder. They can be contacted on 01225 395256.