What is a childminder?

Childminders work from their own home and have to meet the same Ofsted standards as all other registered settings and provide care and education to meet the needs of all children.

They can provide care for children of all ages from birth upwards.

Important facts/things to consider:

• registered with either Ofsted or a Childminder Agency, you can ask the Childminder for their Ofsted Unique Reference Number (URN) to look up their inspection report
• offer a home-from-home environment
• may be able to work flexible hours to suit your needs particularly if you work shifts, or if your hours change from week to week
• will often take or collect children from other early years settings or school
• may offer care for older children in the school holidays and before or after schools
• care for small groups of children
• some childminders offer Nursery Education Funded places
• may work with other Childminders or have assistants

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