A childminder is a man or woman who looks after children from birth to eight years, in his/her own home, for more than two hours a day, and receives a reward for this service. This does not apply if the child is a close relative i.e. grandchild, niece or nephew.
Childminders are required to register with the local authority under the Children Act 1989. They must meet specified standards relating to their suitability as carers of children, the safety of premises and facilities, insurance, and record keeping, and checks are made on all members of the household over the age of 16 yrs. to several agencies. Childminders are inspected every year.
The Children Act 1989 limits the number of children under 8yrs. in the care of childminders at any one time to 6 children, this includes the childminders own children. A childminder may not mind more than 3 children under 5yrs. The certificate will state how many children a childminder will care for.
'Word of mouth' is a good reference, ask friends or colleagues if they have used a registered childminder they have been happy with.
We can put you in touch with childminders who have vacancies, who live in your area or near your place of work or study. Alternatively fill in the online form link to online form and we will post the relevant information to your home address.
Where possible visit several childminders and talk to them to see if the service they are offering is suitable for your child and your needs. Take a list of questions and any issues you want to bring up before you make a choice, tick them off, make notes as you go along. This will be a useful reminder for you and also places the arrangement on an organised and professional footing from the start.
Try to arrange several visits with the childminder for you and your child. This will help them to become familiar with the new situation. Try leaving your child for a short time to start with, so they gradually get used to being left with the childminder.
All childminders are self-employed people, having responsibility for their own income, expenses, equipment, tax and national insurance. They set their own rates, therefore charges will vary from area to area and will be a private agreement between you and the childminder.
You must always have a contract with the childminder that states the hours, fees, overtime rates, fees for non-attendance, meals provided, notice to be given etc. agreed by you both, signed and dated by both, with a copy each.
It might be a good idea to take a favourite toy, and if you have a young baby the childminder may ask you to bring food, nappies etc. Make sure your child is dressed adequately for the time of year, the childminder may want to take your child out during the day. A change of clothes and shoes is a good idea too.
Telephone numbers, names and addresses of:
Anything that will help your child to settle.
Childminders do not normally look after sick children, as infection may spread to other children and their families. If your child becomes ill whilst in the care of the childminder you should be contacted Permission will also be needed to administer any prescribed medicine to your child.
It is your responsibility to make alternative arrangements, though some childminders help to make arrangements between you and another childminder to cover for them
Try to discuss any difficulties as soon as they arise to work out a solution. It is not a good idea to move your child from one person to another unless you really have to - children need stability and consistent care. If you are unable to resolve your difficulties and they relate to the quality of care, contact Ofsted: www.ofsted.gov.uk link to external website
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