Childminding information
Choosing a Childminder
What is a registered childminder?
A childminder is a person who is registered with the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) to care for children in their own home.
Childminders are self-employed and provide full or part time care, this might be day care, before/after school, and/or holiday care and overnight care (a childminder must have permission from Ofsted for overnight care). Childminders are often prepared to take and collect your child from pre-school, nursery or school.
Plus points
- can offer a flexible childcare service
- your child will be in a home environment
- using a childminder ensures a consistency of care because the childminder is the only carer
- if you have children of different ages, a childminder may be able to care for them all together
Childcare and the Law
All childminders must be registered with and inspected by Ofsted and their registration certificate must be prominently displayed. You can view a childminder’s Ofsted report at the OFSTED website, you will need to ask the childminder for their Ofsted Unique Reference Number (URN) to view their report on the website, alternatively you can ask the childminder if you can look at their copy.
The childminder and any other adults in their home are subject to a Criminal Records Bureau check.
Ofsted registration requirements will specify the number of children that are allowed to be on the premises at any time and the ratio of staff to children. 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, of these three, only one may be under 12 months. Under exceptional circumstances a childminder may be allowed to care for two children under 12 months, for example caring for twins.
When you visit
- Try to take notes as you go along, for reference later. You must be your own judge of what is best for you and your child, but the lists below may help guide you on points to look for and what to ask. Things to consider and questions to ask.
- Visit the childminder with your child in their home. Meet any other children who will be looked after at the same time as your child.
- Discuss your views on such things as behaviour management, sleep, potty training and diet. Are you in agreement?
- Consider the accommodation – Is there space? Is it safe? Are there plenty of toys and books?
- Ask to see the childminder’s Ofsted registration, public liability insurance and first aid certificates.
- Find out what happens if the childminder is ill.
- Does the childminder use a car? Are car restraints or seat belts used?
- Are they compliant with current legislation? Does the insurance cover business use?
- Ask to see the areas where your child would play and rest and sleep
- Can the childminder give you the name of another parent who will give you a reference? Always take up references.
General points to consider
- All young children need a variety of learning experiences e.g. quiet times, noisy, messy play, creative and imaginative play, outdoor activities and physical play.
- It is important that for most of the day children are able to move freely around activities and make choices. Are both boys and girls encouraged to take part in all activities?
- Are different cultures positively represented in the toys, books and wall displays?
- Look at what happens between the childminder and children within their care. They need to be involved together in activities and enjoy each others company.
- Make sure that the provision meets any special needs your child may have and that it takes into account your child’s age and cultural background.
- Will the childminder set aside time to talk to you about your child? Are you able to see any records kept about your child?
- You should sign an agreement with the carer of your child but be certain you are happy with its contents.
- It is a good idea to use the provision for a trial period before making permanent arrangements.
- You may find it helpful to visit more than one childminder. When you feel happy with everything then go ahead
Do you have a child with a disability or additional need?
Central Bedfordshire Council is committed to ensuring that all childcare and early years settings provide a service that includes all children. We believe that every child has a right to a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment to enable them to reach their full potential.
If you feel that your child would benefit from more specialist childcare then please call the National Childminding Association (NCMA) on 01234 242818. The NCMA manages the 'Specialist Childminding Services', on behalf of the Council. The co-ordinator for the scheme helps to find a suitably trained registered childminder to care for a child that has a disability or an additional. The childminder will offer a flexible package, to meet your childcare needs, whether this is providing full day care or arranging shorter periods of care according to the needs of both you and your child.
Fees and Conditions
Childminders usually charge by the hour and set their own fees which vary. However, the average rate per hour for a childminder is in the region on £3.50 - £4. You will need to ask about the following and whether they are included in the fees: meals, nappies, outings; also about holiday and sickness retainers.
You may be entitled to some help with your childcare costs.
Contracts
You should use a written agreement or contract, even for a short-term arrangement. This provides a safeguard both for you and your childminder. When completing the contract, take time to discuss other issues as well, such as pets, potty training or discipline. You may have strong views on some matters that you'd like the childminder to take on board, and the childminder may also want to discuss with you aspects of their particular approach.
Take time to talk about any issue that is important to you before starting the arrangement. This can help to prevent problems later.
If you need further information on drawing up a contract please contact the National Childminding Association 01234 242818 for advice.
Settling in your child
Once you have made your decision, settling in will be easier for both you and your child if it is done gradually. Ask the childminder about their settling in policy.
The childminder will have a lot of experience in settling children. Some children can be upset at first - this is only natural - but with gentle reassurance this phase will pass.
Many childminders have a trial period for new children. After this time you can assess whether your child is happy and make further plans as necessary.
What to do if you are not happy with your childcare
If you are not happy with the care that your child is receiving and have spoken with your childminder but are still not satisfied with the outcome, then you can phone the Ofsted Complaints Line on 08456 404040. Ofsted will investigate any complaints about providers and take enforcement action if providers do not meet the national standards set.
Find out more
For a list of registered childminders in your area please contact the Family and Youth Information Service (FYIS) on Freephone 0300 300 8119 (8am – 5.15pm, Mon – Thurs, 8am – 4.45pm Fri).
If you would like to speak to someone face to face please call FYIS on the above number to arrange an appointment.
You are also able to search online for local childcare providers by visiting the Childcare Finder website.