About Childminders

Childminders are childcare professionals working in their own homes to provide care and education for young children. Childminders are required by law to register with Ofsted in England (different regulatory bodies in Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

Childminders are self-employed and set their own working hours and are responsible for paying there own tax and national insurance contributions.

 They must go through various checks including a DBS Check. Ofsted carry out pre-registration checks to ensure that the national standards are being met before registering.

All registered childminders must have completed a diploma in Home-based childcare or have attended and completed a course run by their Local Authority as part of their registration. All childminders must have completed a 12 hour paediatric First-Aid Course and Safeguarding Course. Many childminders have other qualifications many have received NVQ training and some are educated to degree level. They MUST continue to carry out further training to update their knowledge as part of their Continual Professional Development. 

Childminders can be more flexible than other forms of childcare and can provide real world learning experiences such as going to the shops, baking, gardening and visits to local parks or the zoo. They follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum which guides the care and education they must provide for all children in their care.

Childminders can care for a maximum of 6 children aged under 8 years old but no more than 3 of them may be under the age of 5 years and a Childminder may not care for more than one child under the age of 1 year. Childminders may also care for children aged over 8 as long as it does not adversely affect the care of the younger children. Some childminders work with assistants or together with another Childminder.

Childminders set their own working hours, fees and charges according to the services that they provide and the area in which they live and work. Childminders fees vary across the country and it is not possible to give a figure however, you can get information about Childminders in your area by from the Children and Families Information Service. 

Pacey (formerly NCMA) has lots of information about the role of a childminder and guidance on choosing the right childminder for you.  Please visit: www.pacey.org.uk 


What checks are made on childminders? 

Childminders are registered with Ofsted and go 
through an extensive registration process. They (and anyone living or working on the premises aged 16 or over) also have to undergo an Enhanced Criminal Record Bureau Check- the most stringent available. 

Once registered with Ofsted they can be inspected at any time. Inspections usually take place once every three years and a full report is written on them. Childminders are graded as follows:

  • Grade 1- Outstanding
  • Grade 2- Good
  • Grade 3- Requires improvement
  • Grade 4- inadequate 

Why choose a Childminder?

For many parents it can be a difficult decision to return to work either full or part-time. It can also be difficult for parents to choose which form of childcare to choose. There are many options available from private day nurseries to crèches or a Nanny or Au Pair.

Childminding is one such option available but as a parent you may have some questions or concerns when it comes to this form of childcare. As a parent you understandably want the best for your children and a childminder may be one option for you to consider and here is why:


Childminders can offer:

  • Individual care and attention- the smaller group sizes means that children can benefit from one to one attention. A childminder can spend more time with each child whether it be reading a book to them, playing games, singing nursery rhymes or helping older children with their homework
  • Flexibility- Childminders can provide flexible hours, usually earlier or later starts than that of other forms of childcare such as nurseries or out of school clubs. They also have the flexibility to plan outings to the local park, playgroups and children centers.
  • Home-based childcare- Childminders work in their own homes caring for children and can provide a homely environment that is safe and secure providing much needed reassurance for both parent and child.
  • Low ratio of children to adults- Smaller group sizes means that children can have the attention they need. This also means that typically costs are lower due to the need to have less staff a cost saving that is often passed on to you by lower childcare fees.
  • Continuity of care- from just a few weeks, right through to secondary school
  • Real life learning opportunities -from going to the shops to baking or gardening
  • To meet children's individual needs- by adapting where possible to the routines of your child
  • Social interactions-through visits to local childminder drop-ins, playgroups where children in their care can mix with other children