Choosing a Registered Childminder

Voluntary registered childminders

Childminders who care solely for children over the age of seven years can apply to go onto Ofsted's Voluntary Register.  Families using the Childminders on the Voluntary register can claim for the childcare element of the WTC and be eligible for employer - supported childcare vouchers.
Further information is available at:  www.ofsted.gov.uk or by calling Ofsted on 08456 404040

How many children can childminders look after?

The maximum number is six children between the ages of 0 – 8 years and no more than three can be under the age of five. Childminders may also look after children older than 8 years as long as this does not adversely affect the care of younger children. Informed Families  (Enfield’s Family Information Service) strongly advises parents to look at the

Childminder’s registration certificate, as this will state the number and ages of children that can be looked after.

All childminders must complete an Introduction to Childcare Practice and a First Aid course. Childminders are encouraged to complete another four units in order to gain the Diploma in Home Based Childcare. All have regular opportunities to enrol on short courses such as story telling, equal opportunities and outdoor play, provided by Enfield Community Access, Childcare and Early Years (CACEY) previously EYDCP.

How do I settle my child in?

Ask the childminder how she/he settles children in. You will likely need to stay with your child for a few sessions until they become comfortable with the new environment and childminder.  As your child grows more confident you will be encouraged to leave your child for short periods until you are gradually able to leave them for all day.

Childminders must meet the 14 National Standards and those working with children under 3 years are encouraged to follow good practice as set out in Birth to Three Matters.

During the Ofsted registration process, each childminder must undergo a Criminal Records check (enhanced disclosure), a Health Check and other vetting procedures.  Everyone else aged 16 years or older who lives or works in the childminder’s home must also have an enhanced disclosure.

Ofsted inspects each childminder on a “few days notice” basis at least once every three years (more often for new providers and in some other circumstances) and the inspection report tells parents how well the  childminder helps children to meet a series of outcomes,    including:
Being Healthy¨ Staying Safe ¨ Enjoying and Achieving and ¨ Making a Positive Contribution.

Each of the 14 National Standards is organised under the outcomes and Ofsted also makes a judgment about how well the childminder organises her/his setting.

Ofsted inspects using a four point grade scale:

• Outstanding – exceptional settings that have excellent outcomes for children.
• Good – strong settings that are effective in promoting outcomes for children.
• Satisfactory – settings that have acceptable outcomes for children but who have scope for improvement.
• Inadequate – weak settings that have unacceptable outcomes for children.

Childminders inspection reports are published on www.ofsted.gov.uk, however, they are listed using the childminder’s registration number only. 

Informed Families needs written permission from the childminder before we can identify their reports for parents, so it may be best to ask each childminder direct for a copy of their latest Ofsted report.

How do I select a childminder?

You must feel that a childminder will suit yours and your child’s needs and requirements.  Informed Families can provide an up to date printed list of registered childminders with vacancies that gives detailed information such as opening hours, area lived in and schools they collect from.  

Issues to consider:

• Start looking for a childminder in advance of need
• Visit several childminders until you find one that is right for you and your child – trust your instinct!
• Ask the childminder for references from other parents or ask if you can contact other parents yourself
• Take your child with you to see how they get on and at a time when there are other children present
• Prepare a list of questions to ask
• Be prepared to spend time negotiating a contract and then settling your child in

How do I find a childminder?

Ring Informed Families for a list of registered childminders with vacancies. 
You can also look on www.childcarelink.gov.uk/northlondon as some childminders allow their services to be advertised here.

As not all childminders tell Informed Families about their vacancies, or what schools they collect from, help yourself by advertising the fact that your are looking for a registered childminder on notice boards in schools, clinics, libraries, supermarkets and Parent/Toddler groups. Always ensure the childminder is registered by asking to see their Ofsted registration certificate and/or ring Informed Families for confirmation of registration.

Enfield has four Networks of registered childminders who have gained the National Childminding Association “Children come first” quality assurance award. This shows to parents that the childminder works to high standards and beyond the basic requirements. Network childminders are monitored by a Co-ordinator and have regular opportunities to meet with other childminders, attend training workshops and have use of a toy library.

For further information please contact the Network Manager on: 020 8350 4822 or see www.ncmaccf.org.uk.

As childminders are self-employed there is no national rate and they set their own fees. Usually, they charge between £100.00 and £180.00 per week for full time care and between £3.50 and £6.00 for hourly, part time services. Some offer a discount if they are looking after two children
from the same family or when the parent agrees to provide food. 

If a childminder does not have a vacancy straight away, but one is expected to become available in the near future, you may be able to pay a deposit to reserve a place.  Often the deposit is taken off the first bill but if you decide not to take up the place, the childminder is entitled to keep it. If a vacancy is available but you do not need childcare straight away, the childminder may ask for a non-refundable retainer fee to reserve the space for you.  This is because childminders are registered to care for a set number of children and they may have to turn away other parents who could have taken up the place immediately.  Usually a retainer fee is not taken off future fees.

Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit – Working Tax Credit (WTC) provides a top up to wages for those on low to middle incomes. You may also qualify for extra help towards the cost of registered or approved childcare through the childcare element.  If you do qualify, the amount will depend on your income. It can offer up to 80% towards the cost of childcare up to a maximum of£175.00 per week for one child and £300.00 for two or more children. To be eligible ¨ lone parents must work 16 hours or more per week ¨ for couples, both partners must work 16 hours per week or more ¨ one partner must work 16 hours or more per week if the other is incapacitated. 

The Child Tax Credit (CTC) helps towards the general costs with bringing up children and families with incomes right up to £58,000 could be eligible. For further information on the CTC and the WTC please see www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits or ring the helpline on 0845 300 3900.

The first £55.00 of childcare vouchers per week are free from tax and NIC’s as long as the childcare is registered or approved.

Further information can be found on: www.hmrc.gov.uk/childcare

Lone parents who join the New Deal for Lone Parents may be eligible for some help with their childcare fees while they train or search for work.  Information is available from www.newdeal.gov.uk or from Lone Parent Advisors at Job Centres.

Charities – You may be able to apply for funding from local charities or look in the publication “Directory of Grants for Individuals in Need” which lists organisations that give money to individuals and includes their criteria.

The National Standards say that childminders should have a written agreement or contract with parents/carers and a contract helps to get the relationship off to a professional start. The contract must be dated and signed by both you and the childminder and as it is a legally binding document, make sure that you receive a copy and keep it in a safe place.

Contracts

Question to ask when choosing a Childminder

Key to a Successful Placement

Childminders Good Points