A childminder (also known as minder) is usually an Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills) registered carer who provides full time or part time care for children up to the age of 12 in their own homes.
Most minders are self-employed; typically mums themselves who take care of other children while spending time with their children as well.
Minders can take care of up to six children (including their own) who age less than eight years old. However not more than three of these children must be under 5 years old, also not more than 1 should be less than 1 year old. They can also care for 8- 12 year old children if they can show it won’t affect the care of the younger children.
Minders provide similar care to what you as a mother would provide at home; they take children to play groups, parks and other children activities around the neighbourhood. Like day nurseries, CMs are trained to follow the early years foundation stage (EYFS).
The cost of using a minders ranges from £2.50 to £7.50 per hour depending on area. In my area, the cost range is between £3.50 and £4.50. This cost is usually negotiable depending on hours and I guess your negotiation skills ☺. You may also be entitled for tax credits, which may help towards the cost of paying for the cost of a child minder.
Similar to day nurseries, a number of minders provide settling in period.
In the UK, to get a full list of child minders in your area, contact your local Family Information Services
Things to consider before using a childminder
Before deciding whether to use a child minder as your child’s primary carer there are a few things to consider.
Is your little one’s at a stage where they can cope outside the home at a child minder’s. Are you also emotional ready to leave your child in the care of a “stranger”? Personally, my hubby and I were not comfortable with Out of Home care till Bionic turned one.
Decide if you want a CM near your home or your workplace? How far is the CM’s home from your home/workplace and does it fit into your travel route?
With any other type of Out of Home Care it is highly recommended you visit the premises before making a decision. Give yourself enough time to do this. You should be 100% comfortable with where your child will spend most of his/her time.
Like I have mentioned before, your instincts are usually right when it comes to this matter. If possible, your first visit should be in the evening so that you can have time to look around and discuss your questions with the CM with no distractions.
Observe how your little one responds to the environment and also towards the childminder. Try and visit again but this time during the day to observe the other children with the childminder and what they are up to.
Does the childminder seem friendly? Is she organised? Do you have similar values when it comes to child education and care? Is the house spacious, tidy and ventilated? Is it child proofed? Are there any areas for indoor and outdoor play? Are there suitable toys available? Is there a place to rest? Is her home safe and secure?
If your child has started proper school and only needs a childminder for after school hours, check if the minder does school pick up at your child’s school. That would come in really handy.
Check that she has the appropriate insurance and a car seat if your child is going to be travelling in her car.
Check online for the Ofsted inspection report on the childminder’s house. Ask for her unique reference number (URN). The ofsted grades are Outstanding, Good, Satisfactory and Inadequate. Childminders with outstanding and good grades should be on the top of your list.
Be sure to get recommendation from other families/parents.
Also consider these merits and demerits of using a childminder.
Questions to ask a potential childminder
- What qualifications does she have? Does she have a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) Certificate? You may ask to see these.
- What is the cost of care? Does it cover meals, nappies, sun cream etc. or would you have to provide?
- How many children does the minder take care of each day and what are their age ranges?
- What is the opening and closing time and is there any flexibility?
- What happens if your little one falls ill? What happens if the childminder falls ill; is there emergency cover with another minder?
- Does she know how to give first aid in case of an emergency?
- What activities does she engage the children in?
- What is her stance on discipline?
- Ask for a copy of the CM’s written policies around holidays, sickness etc.
- What is the notice period on both sides especially around holidays
- Will she provide meals, if so what type of meals? Will she prepare them daily? Ask to see a meal plan
- What is her policy on late pick-ups, holidays, absence?
- How often will the minder provide progress on your little one’s development
Mums, do not hesitate to ask any questions that come to your mind. After all, you are going to be entrusting your little one into the hands of this person and need to be rest assured your child is in the hands of another super working mum!
I would love to hear your experience on choosing a childminder for your little one in the comment section.
