Learn what you should know before choosing a childminder for your child.
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What is a childminder?
Childminders are self-employed and based in their own homes.
A childminder is allowed to look after up to six children under 8 years old including children of their own. Only three of them can be under 5 years old.
All childminders are registered with Ofsted or a childminding agency and deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Childminders can also work from non-domestic premises 100% of the time, if they are registered as a childminder without domestic premises.
Choosing a childminder
First, you will need a list of registered childminders in your area.
The Family Information Service has put together a listing of local childminders on the Find childcare page.
Next, give the childminders a call to check if they have openings. At this stage you can also ask about your basic requirements. For example, opening hours and the types of food on offer.
Arrange to visit several childminders. It is best to arrange to visit when there are children around. This way you can get to know what you like and don’t like.
Things to think about when visiting:
- Is it clean?
- Is it safe for children?
- Is there a safe outdoor space for play?
- Are there plenty of toys, activities and books?
- Do the children seem happy?
- Is the childminder caring and welcoming?
- How does the childminder manage the children?
If your child did not come with you on the first visit you might want to arrange a second one to introduce your child to the childminder.
Do not be afraid to ask if you can contact other parents who use the childminder to find out what they think.
If you find a childminder you like, tell them as soon possible in case you lose the space.
Remember to check all references. Check out the childminders latest Ofsted inspection report which is available on the Ofsted website.
The childminder will draw up a contract which will outline what is expected of both the childminder and the parent or carer.
The childminder contract should include:
- a start date
- agreed rate
- overtime and holidays
- the period of notice
- a regular review date
- any extras to be paid for
- what days and hours the funding covers
- a space for signatures of both the childminder and the parent or carer
Top questions to ask a childminder
- How long have you been a working with children?
- What are the ages of the other children you look after?
- What other adults will be in the house while the children are there?
- What relevant qualifications do you have?
- What kind of behaviour management strategies do you use?
- How often do you take the children out?
- What meals and snacks do you provide?
- Do you have insurance?
- What arrangements do you have in emergencies?
- Do you use a vehicle to transport children? If so, does it have seat belts, appropriate seats, insurance and up to date road tax and MOT?
- How can I use my funded hours?
- What additional charges can I expect to pay?
There may be other questions you may want to ask. Take time to think about these before you visit.
Find childminders in our directory