How do I Choose a Child Minder?
Childminders offer childcare in their own homes. They must be registered by the local
Registration and Inspection Unit who ensure that:
- Their homes are safe
- The childminder is in good health
- Their home is suitable for the job
- The Child Minder has appropriate insurance
Childminders provide full, part time and flexible care.
How Much Does it Cost?
Childminders are self employed and set their own fees. The average hourly cost is £3.50 but
this can vary depending on the type of care and services the childminder
offers. Reductions are often made for siblings.
How Do I Find a Childminder?
Lists of registered childminders are available from the Registration and
Inspection Unit but they do not give details of vacancies.
It is advisable to look around well in advance of the date you need a
childminder and to visit several minders before you make a final choice.
How do I Choose a Childminder?
Contact childminders and make arrangements to visit them. Points to look out for and questions to ask:
- Are there good play facilities indoors and outdoors
- What is the childminders experience, and attitude to childcare, is it similar to your attitude?
- Is a positive view of people of different genders, ethnic backgrounds, religion and special needs being promoted?
- Does the childminder smoke?
- How are the children disciplined?
- Do you need to supply nappies, toiletries milk or food?
- Does the childminder take children to parent & toddler group, playgroup, play or recreation areas, baby clinic etc.?
- Are there any pets and where are they kept while the children are around?
- Will you have to pay a retainer during your child's illnesses, your holidays etc?
- If the childminder is ill can he/she make arrangements for alternative care?
- Has the childminder had any training in child development, play or care?
- How long has he/she been childminding?
- Does the childminder take children referred to him/her by social services?
- Is the childminder "sponsored" by social services?
WHAT NEXT?
Ask to see registration documents, insurance certificates, health and safety records etc. Parents and childminders should sign a contract to include: fees, specific arrangements for holidays and illness, a trial period, provision for meals and notice required to end the contract etc.
The childminder should offer you a contract once you have come to an agreement. The contract is a legally binding
document and should be read before signing and kept accordingly.
WORKING TOGETHER
If once you have found a childminder you are unhappy with the way things
are going, discuss the difficulties with her/him as soon as they arise.
If your difficulties are not resolved you may wish to contact the local
Registration and Inspection Unit who have an Under 8's Officer to help with
this sort of enquiry, or you may want to discuss any problems in confidence
with a member of Child Link staff. Maintain a business like relationship
with you childminder however much a friend they become. Try to be punctual
both in leaving and collecting your child and keep the minder informed of
any changes in the days routine. You should always ensure that the
childminder is paid on the agreed day. (Think how you would feel if
your salary is not paid on time)
