Childminders
What is a childminder?
A childminder is a person 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. A person is not considered
to be a childminder if they only care for a relative i.e.
grandchild, niece or nephew.
What does registration mean?
Childminders are required to register with Ofsted to meet the
welfare requirements. These welfare requirements relate
to their suitability as carers of children; the safety of premises
and facilities; their ability to offer care, learning and play
opportunities; 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 regularly.
How many children may childminders
look after?
The Childcare Act 2006 limits the number of children under
8years. In the care of childminders at any one time to 6, including
the childminders own children. The certificate will state how many
children a childminder will care for.
How do you find a childminder?
'Word of mouth' is a good reference. Ask friends or colleagues
if they have used a registered childminder they have been happy
with.
Contact Knowsley Childcare Information Service whose
computerised database can put you in touch with childminders who
may have vacancies, who live in your area or near your place of
work or study.
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 your choice, 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.
- Check they have up to date public liability insurance cover,
ask for proof.
- 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 childminders typical day, do they take the
children shopping, attend toddler group 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, meals, snacks etc, and how much
do they charge?
- Do you need to provide any equipment such as a buggy?
- What will you pay for Overtime; Sickness; 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?
How do you settle your child with the 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
from area to area and will be a private agreement between you and
the childminder.
Contracts
You must always have a contract with the childminder that states
the hours, fees, overtime rates, fees for non-attendance, meals
provided, and notice to be given etc. agreed by you both, signed
and dated by both, with a copy each.
Do you have to take anything to the
childminders?
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.
What other information will the childminder need?
Telephone numbers, names and addresses of: your place of work,
your doctor/health visitor, an emergency contact number. What
illnesses and immunisations your child has had, any allergies, what
your child does / 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 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.
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 not happy about things at the
childminders?
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. Tel: 0300
123 1231, or visit http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/
Where can I find a childminder in Knowsley?
Use
our search feature to find childminders near you.
