Registered Childminding

Information on registered childminding including how to find a childminder

A childminder is a person who looks after children from birth to eight years, in his/her own home, for more than two hours a day, and receives a reward for this service.

Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as amended by the Children Act 2004, section 79B (4)(a) requires the registered person to make adequate arrangements to ensure that - (I) Every person (other than himself and the responsible individual) looking after children on the premises is suitable to look after children under the age of eight; and (ii) every person (other than himself and the responsible individual) living or working on the premises is suitable to be in regular contact with children under the age of eight.

How many children may childminders look after?

Childminders will be registered to care for no more than a total of six children, aged under eight, including the childminders own children and any other for whom they are responsible. Within this total, only three children will normally be aged under five, and only one may be aged under 12 months.

For further information and guidance please see : Childminding : Guidance to the National Standard (Sept 2001), DfES Publications - Childminding : Guidance to the National Standards: Revisions to certain criteria : version 2 February 2004, DfES Publications - Daycare and childminding : guidance to the national standards of certain criteria October 2005, Ofsted Publications and National Standards for under 8's day care and childminding Addendum (2003) SureStart, DfES Publications.

• How do you find a childminder?
• How do you choose a childminder?
• Some points to consider
• How do you settle your child with a childminder?
• How much do childminders charge?
• Contracts
• Do you have to take anything to the childminders?
• What other information will the childminder need?
• What happens if your child is ill?
• What happens if the childminder is ill?
• What do you do if you are not happy about things at the childminders?

How do you find a childminder?

Solihull Children's Information Service is a good starting point. 'Word of mouth' is a good reference, your local school, health centre, pre school, children centre, nursery, or ask friends or colleagues if they have used a registered childminder they have been happy with.

We can put you in touch with childminders who have vacancies, who live in your area or near your place of work or study. Alternatively fill in the online form and we will post the relevant information to your home address.

How do you choose a childminder?

Where possible visit several childminders and talk to them to see if the service they are offering is suitable for your child and your needs. Take a list of questions and any issues you want to bring up before you make a choice, tick them off, make notes as you go along. This will be a useful reminder for you and also places the arrangement on an organised and professional footing from the start.

Some points to consider?

• take your child with you when you visit.
• always go to a registered childminder - ask to see their registration certificate.
• check they have up to date public liability insurance cover, ask for proof.
• look at the accommodation, is it safe, is there room to play?
• are there toys and books around?
• ask how many other children are in their care.
• if there are children there, are they happy, settled and busy?
• will your child fit in?
• ask about the childminders typical day, do they take the children shopping, attend toddler or playgroup, go on visits or outings etc.?
• how do they deal with unacceptable behaviour?
• how do they ensure the children in their care are treated with equal concern?
• what training or experience do they have in looking after other peoples children?
• what plans do they have in the vent of an emergency?
• which school or playgroup do they take children to?
• when is the service available, meals, snacks etc., and how much do they charge?
• do you need to provide any equipment such as a buggy?
• are there any extras to pay e.g. overtime. sickness or holidays?
• when do you have to pay?
• what safety equipment is used - including car restraints?
• is there appropriate car insurance cover?
• what pets do they have?
• what happens if your child is ill - will they contact you?
• will they mind a sick child?
• will you be able to meet the rest of the family?

How do you settle you child with a childminder?

Try to arrange several visits with the childminder for you and your child. This will help them to become familiar with the new situation. Try leaving your child for a short time to start with, so they gradually get used to being left with the childminder.

How much do childminders charge? All childminders are self-employed people, having responsibility for their own income, expenses, equipment, tax and national insurance. They set their own rates, therefore charges will vary from area to area and will be a private agreement between you and the childminder.

Contracts

You must always have a contract with the childminder that states the hours, fees, overtime rates, fees for non-attendance, meals provided, notice to be given etc. agreed by you both, signed and dated by both, with a copy each.

Do you have to take anything to the childminders?

It might be a good idea to take a favourite toy, and if you have a young baby the childminder may ask you to bring food, nappies etc. Make sure your child is dressed adequately for the time of year, the childminder may want to take your child out during the day. A change of clothes and shoes is a good idea too.

What other information will the childminder need?

Telephone numbers, names and addresses of:

• your place of work
• your doctor and health visitor
• an emergency contact number
• what illnesses and immunisations your child has had
• any allergies
• what your child does / does not like to eat
• your child's sleeping routine
• any pet words or names
• whether toilet trained
• able to use a cup
• eating implements etc
• Anything that will help your child to settle.

What happens if your child is ill?

Childminders do not normally look after sick children, as infection may spread to other children and their families. If your child becomes ill whilst in the care of the childminder you should be contacted. Permission will also be needed to administer any prescribed medicine to your child.

What happens if the childminder is ill?

It is your responsibility to make alternative arrangements, though some childminders help to make arrangements between you and another childminder to cover for them.

What do you do if you are not happy about things at the childminders?

Try to discuss any difficulties as soon as they arise to work out a solution. It is not a good idea to move your child from one person to another unless you really have to - children need stability and consistent care. If you are unable to resolve your difficulties and they relate to the quality of care, contact Ofsted http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/

Contact Details

Children's Information Service

Telephone helpline: 0121 788 4288 (24 hr answer machine)
Email: childrensinfo@solihull.gov.uk
http://childcarelink.gov.uk/