F.A.Q’s

What is a registered Childminder?
Registered childminder's are professional day carer's who work in their own homes to provide care and education for other peoples children in a family setting. Unlike nannies and au-pairs they must be registered under the 1989 Children's Act by Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education) in England, or by CSIW in Wales. Registered childminder's are inspected prior to registration being confirmed, and then again within the first year of minding, if the childminder gains a satisfactory grade or above the next inspection will be within a 3 year period. Childminders given a lower grading will be re-inspected within a much shorter period until they meet acceptable standards.

Why should I choose a Childminder?
Because childminder's look after only small groups of children in their own homes, their daily routine is very adaptable. Individual dietary requirements sleeping patterns or even homework projects can be catered for with ease. Their flexibility makes childminder's ideal child care providers for parents who work shifts as, unlike most nurseries, childminder's homes are often open outside of standards office hours.

What should I look for in a Childminder?
Your childminder should be someone who you feel at ease with and someone you feel your children will learn from. A trial period is a good way to help you decide if you suit each other.

Where can I find a good Childminder?
Recommendation from other parents is always a good place to start, however try our search for childcare on this site to find local providers.

Why do fees seem to vary so much?
Fees tend to vary due to availability (or lack of it), cost of living, supply and demand and services offered.

Childminders and CAR SEAT regulations?
All childminder's are aware of current car seat legislation, most childminder's will have car seats already which fit their vehicles properly; however some childminder's may require parents to supply their own seat. (If as a parent you would prefer to do this let your childminder know).

Can I get help with my Childminder's costs?
If you are in receipt of Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credits you may qualify for the Childcare element which can cover up to 80% of your childcare costs with a REGISTERED childminder.

Do all Childminders take the child care vouchers?
Not all childminder's take vouchers but most are willing to look into the voucher schemes and will discuss options with parents. I am new to the area where do

I start looking for child care?
Search this site for local registered childcare, visit local toddler groups and talk to other parents, recommendations are always a good way of finding a child

I am having a baby soon and intend to return to work, how soon should I arrange my child care?
If you have a return to work date then now's the time to start looking, this takes the pressure off both you and your childminder, as you can settle your child in before starting work.

How soon can my child start nursery / preschool?
Sessional day care providers like pre-schools usually accept children from 2 years old, each provider will be registered for specific number of children and will take on children based on their ages to staff ratios.

Can my child have NEG funding?
Government guidelines state that all children will eligible for the nursery education grant from the first term following the child's third birthday. The NEG funding can be used to pay for childminding costs if your childminder is accredited.

Should I take my child with me when I visit my chosen child care provider?
Yes, it will enable you to see how comfortable your child is in the surroundings and with the child care provider, if you arrange your visit for a time that would be part of your contractual times then your child will have an opportunity to meet and interact with any other children who would be regularly there with them. Write yourself a list if it helps you but don't worry if you forget to ask something, all childcare providers will understand and welcome questions both during and after the interview/visit.