Choosing a childminder
Nationally childminders currently make up the largest group of childcare providers.
A childminder is someone who is registered by Ofsted (the Office for Standards in Education) in their own home to care for unrelated children under the age of eight for more than two hours per day for reward.
Parents will choose childminders for their children for many reasons including
- they may offer more flexible hours arranged to meet the needs of the family. Some childminders can offer weekends and shift work patterns
- siblings of different ages can be cared for together
- a childminder may look after your child from a young baby right through to when the child starts senior school.
The number of children a childminder is registered for will be stated on the registration certificate issued from Ofsted.
Group childminders where two or more people are registered together can look after larger numbers of children.
Some childminders also work with an assistant.
To find a childminder in your area, you can use the family information service directory - Haringey's online services directory for children and young people aged 0 to 20.
|Back to topHow do I know my child will be safe?
All childminders go through a thorough vetting procedure by Ofsted which includes checks with the:
- Criminal Record Bureau
- Social Services
- plus an Ofsted interview to assess their suitability to look after children.
Everyone in the household over 16 will also have police and social service checks. Childminders have to meet the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (EYFS) before they can be registered.
Regular inspections are carried out by Ofsted and a childminder will receive a report following this inspection. New childminders attend an initial training course and must get a First Aid for Children and Babies qualification before being registered.
The Co-ordinator for Childminding Services and the Early Years team makes home visits and support individual childminders. All childminders are encouraged to continue their professional development by training and attending regular development forum meetings.
|Back to topFurther information
Family Information Service
Tel 020 8489 1000
Fax 020 8489 3760
Email childcare@haringey.gov.uk.
Website Family Information Service Directory (website)
