Childminders
The information provided in this section has been provided by 'Parents at Work'. Parents at Work are a registered charity , the voice of working parents - campaigning to improve the quality of life for working parents and their children. You can visit their Website by clicking on the following link, www.parentsatwork.org.uk|.
What is a childminder?
Childminders provide full-time and part-time childcare from babyhood to school age and beyond. They work in their own homes and are self-employed.
Childminders are usually prepared to be flexible and accommodate the needs of individual parents, so long as these are reasonable. Childminders can also be used to provide part-time childcare to school age children before and after school.
All childminders, and those offering childcare services for reward in their own home to children under eight years old must, by law, be registered with the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED).
Childminders are suppose to complete a local authority approved childminder's pre-registration course and a first aid course, but are otherwise not required to have formal training in childcare.
They can train for a qualification, Certificate in Childminding Practice, run by CACHE in association with the National Childminding Association.
In registering childminders, OFSTED will:
Make basic checks to ensure that the childminder is a fit person to have care of children
Regulate the number of children each childminder is allowed to care for at one time
Carry out police checks on the childminder and other members of the household to ensure they have not been convicted of an offence against a child
Check the childminder's home for health and safety
Carry out annual checks on each registered childminder
Require every childminder to keep certain records, such as records of each child's name, date of birth, details of parents, emergency numbers, and information on health problems and medication
Require every childminder to take out public liability insurance
Advantages of using a childminder:
Registered and inspected by OFSTED
Many childminders, because of deep rooted commitments in the local area, can provide continuity of childcare
Flexible hours
Children of different ages can be cared for together
Children can benefit from interaction with other children in the childminder's care
If a parent herself, your childminder may be very experienced in childcare
Usually cheaper than nursery childcare
Knowledge of local activities and networks
Disadvantages of using a childminder:
Your child has to be taken and collected
Childminders do not usually look after children who are sick
Need for alternative arrangements if she is sick or on holiday
How to find a childminder?
The National Childminding Association (NCMA) and your local Childcare Information Service (CIS) can provide you with information and advice about registered childminders in your area.
Childcarelink – 08000 96 02 96 – a freefone childcare information line funded by the DfEE, will put you in touch with your nearest Family Information Service. Our local Family Information Service can be contacted on 0800 5878191 or alternatively t he Childcarelink website holds details of local providers as well as general information (www.childcarelink.gov.uk|).
Should you decide to advertise for a childminder or answer an advert in your local paper or shop window, be aware that all childminders are required by law to be registered. Ask to see a registration certificate and proof of their public liability insurance cover. This is in the best interest of you and your child.
Contact the Childcare Co-ordination Team, we will be happy to help you search for the most suitable childcare to meet your individual needs.
How much does a childminder cost?
There is no national rate for childminders. Fees are a matter of negotiation between parents and childminders and will vary depending on each agreement, geographical location and facilities that your childminder provides. A NCMA survey of it's members carried out in 2000 found that the average charge nationally for a full time place for one child was £107.50 per week.
Interviewing
It is important that as a parent you are sure that your child will be happy, safe and stimulated in whatever childcare environment you choose for them.
Experience shows that the most important consideration in choosing a childminder is whether you feel comfortable with them. However it is also vital to use an interview to find out what their views are on the childcare issues that are most important to you. Do not presume that the childminder has the same views on caring for children that you do.
If possible, go without your child to a potential childminder's home. This will allow you to have a detailed discussion without the distraction of your child. If all goes well, arrange a second visit when your child can meet the childminder and the other children in her care.
Questions to ask your childminder about herself
Experience (check their experience matches the needs and age of your child)
Number and ages of children in her care
Check that the information held by OFSTED is correct
Childcare qualifications and training
Ask to see references from previous parents, and speak to them yourself
Her personal circumstances - who else lives in her house, her children; her health - does she smoke? does she keep pets?
Topics to cover about your child
What are her ideas on play, health, food, discipline for children?
What activities will she take your child to?
Does she attend a local childminder group? (this will keep her in touch with news on toy libraries, local play-groups etc.)
How will your child's day be filled?
What does she find most rewarding about being a childminder?
If your child will travel in her car, check that she has appropriate insurance cover and the required number of seat restraints for all the children in her care
Questions about pay and conditions
Hours available, availability for your child, any conditions of acceptance
Costs if you go on holiday or your child is ill
Arrangements if the childminder is ill or on holiday
You may be able to get help towards childminding costs if you are eligible for Tax Credits - see section on Tax Credits on our Home page for further details.
A written contract is the best basis for a good relationship with your childminder. The National Childminding Association sells model contracts.
Useful Contacts
Family Information Service
Freefone: 0800 5878191
Website: www.childcarelink.gov.uk|
National Childminding Association
8 Mason's Hill, Bromley, Kent BR2 9EY
Tel - Helpline: 0800 169 4486
Tel - Admin: 020 8464 6164
website: www.ncma.org.uk|