Childminding
Childminders are required to register with Ofsted Children Services . 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 years to several agencies. Childminders are inspected every three years.
How many children may childminders look after?
Childminders can look after a maximum of six children under eight years, including the childminder's own children. A childminder may not mind more than three children under five years, including one under a year. The certificate will state how many children a childminder will care for.
What are network childminders?
Some childminders are part of a quality-assured network linked to a children's centre; these childminders have agreed meet set quality standards and some may be accredited to offer early years education.
How do you find a childminder?
We can provide you with details of childminders who have vacancies, who live in your area or near your place of work or study. You can also find details of registered childminders on ChildcareLink.
'Word of mouth' is a good reference - ask friends or colleagues if they have used a registered childminder they have been happy with.
How do you choose a childminder?
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.
Some points to consider
- take your child with you when you visit
- always go to a registered childminder - ask to see their registration certificate
- childminders in Croydon have a portfolio containing their up-to-date public liability insurance cover, inspection report and certificate
- look at the accommodation. Is it safe? Is there room to play?
- are there toys and books around?
- ask how many other children are in their care?
- if there are children there, are they happy, settled and busy?
- will your child fit in?
- ask about the childminder's typical day, do they take the children shopping, attend toddler or playgroup, go on visits or outings etc?
- how do they deal with unacceptable behavior?
- how do they ensure the children in their care are treated with equal concern?
- what training or experience do they have in looking after other people's children?
- what plans do they have in the event of an emergency?
- which school or playgroup do they take children to?
- when is the service available? what meals, snacks, etc. are provided, and how much do they charge?
- do you need to provide any equipment, such as a buggy?
- are there any extras to pay, e.g. overtime, sickness or holidays?
- when do you have to pay?
- what safety equipment is used - including car restraints?
- is there appropriate car insurance cover?
- what pets do they have?
- what happens if your child is ill - will they contact you?
- will they mind a sick child?
- will you be able to meet the rest of the family?
- what records to they keep?
How do you settle your child with a childminder?
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.
How much do childminders charge?
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 and will be a private agreement between you and the childminder. Their rates will take into account what they offer in their service.
Contracts
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 and with a copy for each party.
Do you have to take anything to the childminders?
It might be a good idea to take a favorite 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.
What other information will the childminder need?
Telephone numbers, names and addresses of
- your place of work
- your doctor and health visitor
- an emergency contact number
Other things to consider telling the childminder are:
- what illnesses and immunisations your child has had
- any allergies
- what your child does and does not like to eat
- your child's sleeping routine
- any pet words or names
- whether toilet trained
- able to use a cup
- eating implements, etc.
- anything that will help your child to settle.
What happens if your child is ill?
Childminders do not normally look after sick children, as infection may spread to other children in the group and their families. If your child becomes ill while in the care of the childminder you should be contacted. Permission will also be needed to administer any prescribed medicine to your child
What happens if the childminder is ill?
It is your responsibility to make alternative arrangements, though some childminders help to make arrangements between you and another childminder to cover for them.
What do you do if you are unhappy with the childminders?
Try to discuss any difficulties as soon as they arise so that a solution can be found. 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.
Contact Details
- Contact name
- Ofsted - Childminding
- Contact name
- Croydon Children's Information Service
- Telephone
- 0845 11 11 100
- child.care@croydon.gov.uk
- Address
- 10 Katharine Street
Croydon
CR9 1JU - Website
- www.croydonchildcare.com/
