Childminders
Registered childminders are self-employed carers, and most are Ofsted registered. Some childminders register with a Childminder Agency (which is Ofsted registered) instead of directly with Ofsted.
Childminders provide care and education often in their own home. They can look after a maximum of 6 children under the age of 8, but normally only 3 of them can be under 5 years old at any one time. If they have an assistant or work with another childminder, this will increase the number of children cared for on site.
Most will work early mornings, evenings to coincide with school drop-offs, collections and school holidays. Some also work weekends or provide care overnight. Costs can vary.
Considerations
Childminders are ideal if you want:
- your child to be cared for in a family home with fewer other children
- flexible care with many open all year around
- children of different ages to be cared for together
- school run / walking bus if parents need to work early or finish late
- the feeling of one on one care with children
- regulated and inspected the same way as any other childcare type
How to find a childminder
Registered childminders can be found on Staffordshire Connects.
