Childminders care for other people's children in their own home. They offer flexible, personal individual care in a home setting. Many also link with local services like children's centres, toddler groups and libraries.
- How do I know my child will be safe?
- Do childminders have training?
- What ages do childminders care for?
- How many children can they look after?
- What hours do childminders work?
- Can I get help with the cost?
- How can I find details of childminders in my area?
- What questions should I ask when I visit a childminder?
How do I know my child will be safe?
Childminders must register with Ofsted if they care for children under 8 for more than two hours a day, in their own home for pay or reward.
Ofsted checks that:
- the childminder and their home are safe
- the care and learning meets the Early Years Foundation Stage
- everyone aged 16 and over in the home has a check
Do childminders have training?
Yes. All registered childminders must complete:
- training on the Early Years Foundation Stage
- paediatric first aid
- safeguarding training
What ages do childminders care for?
Childminders can care for children from birth to secondary school. Ofsted only regulates the care of children aged 8 and under.
How many children can they look after?
Childminders can care for up to six children under 8. Usually:
- no more than 3 can be under 5
- only 1 can be under 1 (unless Ofsted agrees to any exception, like twins)
These numbers include the childminder’s own children.
They can also care for children over 8, but must show Ofsted they can meet everyone’s needs.
What hours do childminders work?
Childminders often offer flexible hours. They may work:
- full time
- part time
- term time only
- during school holidays
Can I get help with the cost?
You may be able to get help with childcare costs. See the eligibility checker.
You can also see Help with childcare costs for details of support.
How can I find details of childminders in my area?
You can search for childminders in your area in our .
What questions should I ask when I visit a childminder?
- What training and experience do you have?
- Do you have experience with children who have SEND?
- How many children do you care for and what are their ages?
- How do you help new children settle in?
- What happens when you’re ill or on holiday?
- Do you and everyone aged 16+ in your home have DBS checks?
- Can I see your Ofsted certificate?
- How do you keep records (paper or app)?
- Do you work with an assistant? Can I meet them?
- Do you have public liability insurance?
- What are your fees and what do they include?
- Are there extra charges for trips, meals or nappies? Can I bring my own?
- What do you charge for holidays or sickness?
- What is the notice period to end the arrangement?
- Do you have a written contract?
- Do you offer funded early education from 9 months?
- Do you accept childcare vouchers or Tax-Free Childcare?
- What does a typical day look like?
- How do you tell parents about the child’s day?
- Do they use a car? Do you have insurance and car seats?
- Do you provide food? Can you meet dietary needs?
- How do you support emotional wellbeing and development?
- What’s your behaviour policy?
- Do you help with toilet training and nappy changes?
- What should my child bring each day?
- Do you do risk assessments?
- Can I see home and garden?
- Are any areas off-limits?
- Do you work from any other places too? (playgroups, community centres.)
- What are your health, hygiene and safety policies?
- Is the home smoke-free?
- How often do family and friends visit?
- Do you have pets? Do you have a pet policy?
- Where will my child sleep? Do they follow ?