Childminder Overview
Registered childminders are professional day carers who work in their own homes to provide care and learning opportunities for other people’s children in a family setting. They are registered and inspected by Ofsted.
Childminders are self-employed so they can decide on their own working hours. Most childminders offer care between the hours of 8am – 6pm, but many will also work unsociable hours, part time hours or weekends.
Prices vary between areas, but as a guide, most childminders will charge approximately £4 - £7 an hour.
How will I know my child will be safe?
First of all - you know your child best. Look for a childminder that you feel is suitable for your child. Ofsted inspects the childminders under the EYFS framework to ensure that the environment and care provided is safe and suitable for children.
All childminders must complete an Diploma in Homebased childcare unit 1 and a Paediatric First Aid course. Most childminders go on to do further training and professional development in areas such as: allergy and anaphylaxis awareness, disability discrimination, managing children's behaviour, child protection etc.
“Quality Assured” Childminders in Ealing
There are a number of childminders who are part of the National Childminding Association's Children Come First Childminding Networks, which is a quality Assurance scheme endorsed by Investors in Children. Each network has a co-ordinator who assesses and monitors the childminders to ensure they are providing a high quality childminding service as well as providing support meetings and training.
Ask to see the childminders certificate to check how many children they are registered for. You could also ask to read a copy of their inspection report that Ofsted would have written after their inspection.
How many children can a childminder look after?
Childminders are registered to look after a maximum of six children under 8yrs at any one time. Of those six, only three can be aged under 5yrs and usually there will be a limit of one baby under 12 months. They may also look after older children.
By law, childminders must have a written contract with the parents of each child they look after. This should set out the services that will be included, notice periods and what will happen in the event of sickness or holidays either for the childminder or the parent.
What to do if you’re concerned
If you have any concerns at all about the quality or integrity of your childcare provider, you can contact the regulating body - OFSTED - on 08456 404040.
Ealing Family Information Service holds details on all the registered childminders in the London Borough of Ealing. You can call us
Monday to Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Tel:020 8825 5588
Email: children@ealing.gov.uk
search on our website at
www.ealing.gov.uk
Useful questions to ask a childminder