If you want your child to be in a home environment then a childminder is for you, as childminders work from their own home. Most childminders work all year round and usually offer a range of part time and full time care. Childminders are particularly suitable if you need flexible care for example if you work irregular hours, or you have children of different ages and want them to be together. Childminders can care for children up to 14 years of age.

As childminders are at home they can make the most of local parks, playgrounds, toy libraries, drop-in groups and community centres in the area that they live. Often children have the chance to make good friends with the other children who go to their childminder.

Childminders have different approaches and offer a range of services so look for someone who will suit your family. Some childminders are part of a network; these childminders are required to meet set quality standards and some may be accredited to offer Early Years Education. Network childminders are visited regularly to ensure they continue to provide high quality childcare.

First of all you know your child best - look for a childminder you feel will be suitable for your child.

Childminders must be registered before they begin to work with children. This means checks are carried out to make sure they are suitable to care for children. People over 16 years living in the childminder’s household are also police checked to make sure they have not carried out any offence against a child. A check on the childminder’s home is carried out as well to make sure it is safe and suitable for children.

After a childminder is registered, every year an inspection is carried out to make sure the childminder is continuing to provide a safe and suitable service.

You can ask to see a childminder’s registration certificate and latest inspection report. It is illegal for an unregistered person to look after children for reward. An unregistered person who is a close relative of the child is not officially a childminder.

Childminders can care for up to six children aged under eight, of whom no more than three must be aged under five, at any one time. Most childminders are registered for three children under five and three children under eight at any one time. Only one child may be under one year, unless an exception is made by OFSTED, twins for example.

The childminder’s own children are taken into account and counted in these numbers. Childminders who work with an assistant may look after larger groups of children.

Children can go to a childminder from a few months old right through until they reach secondary school although they are only registered to look after children aged under 8. Childminders may also care for children between 8 and 14, as long as the number of older children looked after does not adversely affect the care provided for children under 8.

Childminders are self employed and so they decide on their working hours. Most childminders will provide you with childcare between the hours of 8am and 6pm. Some childminders will work early mornings, evenings and weekends as well. You will need to negotiate hours, terms and conditions with the childminder.

Many childminders are happy to provide families with part-time places for children. They often drop children off at school and pick them up. Childminders can also take your child to a playgroup or pre-school as part of the routine.

Childminders set their charges themselves and are usually paid in advance. Charges vary in different areas so you will need to contact the childminder direct for exact care costs.

They may also ask for a deposit, if you do not wish the care to start immediately. This is usually refunded when the child starts or is deducted from the final payment.

Most childminders ask for a retainer to be paid if you do not require the place all through the year e.g. if you are a teacher. Fees for daytime activities like pre-school, tumble tots etc. will usually be additional payments.

Some childminders will be members of a childminding network. Accredited childminders on the network will be entitled to receive the grant for 3 and 4 year olds from the Department for Education Skills, entitling the child to five, two and a half hour sessions per week during term time.

Contact Wakefield District Children’s Information Service for advice about childminders in your area.

Under the Children Act 1989 and the Care Standards Act 2000 Ofsted has to keep a register of all childminders and arrange annual inspections. Ofsted also has to make certain basic, but vital, checks on the suitability of any person wishing to be a childminder.

Ofsted visits each childminder’s home to make sure that it is a safe and suitable place for young children. Checks are made on the health and experience of the childminder together with police Criminal Records Bureau checks on them and anyone else over the age of 16 in the household.

Please note that registration does not mean they are recommended. Registration is a legal requirement and provides certain safeguards to protect children. If you find someone who is looking after children for more than two hours a day for cash or any other form of reward, who you think is not currently registered, please let Ofsted know.

All childminders are required to have a first aid in childcare certificate, which is mandatory and all new childminders must undertake the ICP (Introducing Childminding Practice). This includes keeping children safe, routines, providing activities and learning experiences, settling in, positively managing children’s behaviour, equal opportunities, child protection, working in partnership with parents and running a business.

Wakefield District Sure Start Partnership also offers a free subsidised training programme on many childcare topics such as Certificate in Childminding Practice (CCP) or NVQ’s in Childcare. Most childminders also have practical experience of looking after and raising their own children and some may have already undergone additional training in childcare. Details of an individual childminders qualifications are available from Wakefield District Children’s Information Service.

First of all you know your child best - look for a childminder you feel will be suitable for your child.

Always ask questions about the care of your child in the home. Do not be afraid to look around the house, particularly at the sleeping arrangements for your child, the bathroom, toilet, food preparation area etc.

Ask to see a childminder’s registration certificate and latest inspection report. It is illegal for an unregistered person to look after children for reward. An unregistered person who is a close relative of the child is not officially a childminder.

When you visit possible childminders look for these Quality Pointers. You could add your own as well.

• Children appear to be happy, content and actively engaged with what they are doing.
• Childminders have a genuinely caring and friendly relationship with the children, a calm atmosphere with no raised voices.
• The setting is safe and maintained to a good standard of hygiene.
• Adequate personal space for children to play.
• Comfortable area where children can relax, and an area where very young children can rest and sleep.
• Toilets and hand basins with individual or disposable towels provided.
• Toys and books that represent and promote different cultures in a positive way.

Always ask to see the childminders current certificate of registration, insurance certificate and inspection report.

• What recent training or experience do you have? (Ask to see certificates)
• What are your hours of work?
• What are your fees and are there any extra charges e.g. meals, nappies?
• What charges are made for absence / sickness / holidays?
• What arrangements are made for holidays?
• What are your overtime rates?
• Do you provide for children with special needs?
• Do you have emergency arrangements with another childminder?
• How many other children do you look after and what are their ages?
• What is your routine and what activities do you provide for the children?
• What is the childminders attitude towards discipline/potty training?
• Who else will be in the house whilst you are minding?
• Are you part of a childminding network or support group?
• Do you use a car? Is the car covered by insurance? Do you have a correctly fitted car seat?
• Do you have pets /garden?
• Can you give me the name of another parent who will give you a reference?
• How can I reserve a place?

All childminders should ask you to sign a written contract, even for a short – term arrangement. This will provide a safeguard for you and your childminder. The contract should include hours, charges and what they cover, holiday pay and illness, length of notice required on both sides to terminate the contract, outings, behaviour management and food. Do not be afraid to ask questions now as the contract is a legally binding document.

Many parents have to make arrangements at short notice. However, the more time you have, the better. A gradual settling in process is easier for everyone. Consider staying with your child at first for a short period, then use short sessions when you are not present. Say goodbye to your child and state clearly when you will be back. Then, when your child realises that you do come back, he or she will feel happier about being left for longer periods.

Your childminder will probably have lots of experience in settling children. You should discuss this and then make a plan between you. Children are often upset at first – this is only natural – but by gently reassuring the child 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.

This is only a guide. In the end you must be your own judge of what is best for you and your child. However, if you have any concerns you can contact us or one of the other organizations listed here.

• Wakefield District Sure Start Partnership
  Childminding Support Team
  Telephone: 01924 306849

  Childminding support officers support new childminders through the registration process and through their first year of business. They also help with any queries between parents and childminders regarding contracts, complaints etc.



• Ofsted
  Telephone: 0113 2158404
  Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

  Ofsted is the authorised body who register and inspect childminders for children under eight. Ofsted also deal with complaints that any parent may have about their childcare provider.



• NCMA National Childminding Association
  Telephone: 0800 1694486
  Website:www.ncma.org.uk

  The National Childminding Association (NCMA) offers a wide range of services to childminders and parents including issues such as insurance and training.