Childminders - A guide
A registered childminder is a person who is paid in cash or in
kind for looking after children under the age of eight for more
than two hours a day. They work in their own home and are
registered for a limited number of children, which the childminder
must not exceed. This number includes their own children.
To become registered, the childminder and all other adults in
their home are asked to complete a statement regarding any criminal
convictions they might have. They will be checked against police
records and asked to fill in health forms. The childminder's home
will have to meet certain safety standards and must have insurance
cover, including public liability.
Why choose a childminder?
Childminders provide an independent service, and can work
alongside other day care facilities for children. They can
offer:
- care in a home environment for children aged 0-8 and
beyond
- a flexible and personal service that meets the individual needs
of your child
- a local service with a wide range of choice
- a trained, professional approach
- knowledge that they are registered by Essex Social Services and
are regularly inspected by childcare experts.
What to look for before choosing a
childminder
Always ask questions about the care of your child and safety
in the home. Do not be afraid to look around the house,
particularly at the sleeping arrangements for your child, the
bathroom, toilet, food preparation areas etc.
Childminders should provide a range of activities inside and
outside the home. Play should be flexible and varied with a
suitable range of toys and play equipment available to help
children develop all their social, emotional, intellectual and
physical skills.
Once you have choosen a childminder
Your childminder should ask you to complete an information
sheet about your child's likes and dislikes, routines etc. When
starting with a childminder it is advisable to have a 'settling in'
period where you stay with your child until they are familiar with
each other.
Hours: Childminders usually offer daycare
from 8am until 6pm but many are prepared to work outside of these
hours to accommodate parent's needs.
Meals: Children who are with a childminder
full-time should receive at least one meal a day, which must be
varied and nutritious. They also have snacks. The childminder
should respect your wishes, and special meals should be provided
for cultural and religious reasons.
Contract and costs
Your childminder will need you to sign a contract, which
should include hours, charges and what they cover, holiday pay and
illness, length of notice required on both sides to terminate the
contract, outings, behaviour management and food. Do not be afraid
to ask questions as the contract is a legally binding
document.
Most childminders ask for a retainer to be paid if you do not
require the place all through the year eg. if you are a teacher.
Fees for daytime activities like pre-school, tumble tots etc. will
usually be additional payments. Fees are set by the childminder and
rates vary from area to area and are usually paid in advance.
Some childminders will be a member of a childminding network
which will be entitled to receive the grant for four year olds from
the DfEE entitling the child to five, two and a half hour sessions
per week.
Important
Parents must remember that it is their responsibility to be
satisfied as to the suitability of the childminder they choose to
care for their children. The fact that a childminder has been
registered by Essex Social Services is no guarantee that problems
will not arise. It is your responsibility to make sure that your
child care provision is safe and appropriate.
For further information and a list of day care providers,
please contact the Essex Social Services Inspection and
Registration Unit development officer for your area:
Chelmsford, Maldon and Braintree 01245 434443
Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point and Rochford 01268
643295
Epping Forest, Harlow and Uttlesford 01279 434641
Colchester and Tendring 01206 714686