Hillingdon Childminders

Guide to finding the right childminder

Obviously your main concern is your child, so below we have selected a few points that may help in your search and also some points that you should make sure are in place, ensuring you that the childminder you choose is the one for you.

Ofsted Registration

Ofsted took over registration of childminders from the local authority in September 2001. They carry out checks approximately every 3 years. We are issued new certificates after we have our inspection so please check the dates on the Childminders certificate. If unsure you can check directly with Ofsted by giving the relevant childminders details.

Most childminders are registered for a specific number of children (this should be stated on their registration certificate). Normally this consists of three children under 5 years of age and three children between 5-8 years of age dependant on the size of their property. Once a child under 5 yrs is in full time education they then move into an over 5yr position. If the childminder has children of their own under 8 yrs of age they will also count in their numbers. In most cases childminders are only registered to care for one baby under 1 year old. Special permission can be obtained from Ofsted to mind more than one child under one and more than the above stated numbers and this should be stated on their certificate.

It is important that registration details are thoroughly checked as it is illegal to send your children to people who are not registered through Ofsted.

Insurance

Insurance once again is renewable annually and documentation should be made available for you to see. This is an important document, although it may never be needed. There are various insurers such as the National Childminding Association (NCMA) to name but one. Please make sure that a contract is obtained between the two parties as you will not be covered by the childmnders insurance if a full contract is not in place.

Safety

This is an aspect that is checked strenuously by Ofsted. Please make notes of any particular requirements that you may have and what the relevant precautions the childminder has in place. All childminders should have full written policies and procedures and must also obtain permission for many various activities. Childminders are not permitted to smoke whilst caring for your children either in their house, their car or outdoors.

Questions

Always try to note a few questions before your childminding interview and once again note any special requests that you may require. There are many questions that cannot be answered in that short initial phone call such as hours, smoking and other details which maybe more personal to you.

You must ensure that you have covered all areas of concern. It is advisable that you know your hourly requirement when making the initial phone call as only particular times may be available to the childminder of your choice.

References

Most experienced childminders will have either written or verbal references available. Some may have written references on file or will be able to provide you with referees phone numbers for you to contact personally. This is just another way to help ensure you are making the right choice.

NCMA Quality First

Some of the childminders on our site have achieved their Quality First certificate. Quality Assurance is a way of demonstrating that the service of your childminder provides has been checked as being of high quality. It shows that your childminder is moving forward in their profession by continually developing their practice. NCMA Quality First is run by the National Childminding Association. More information is available on their website.

And finally...

Our main aim is to look after your children in a caring environment and for you to feel assured of this, hopefully making both children and parents happy. If you are unsure about any aspect of your childcare requirements then don't hesitate to contact our information line.

We hope these few pointers will help you in your search and if at this time we are unable to help please pass on the details of our site to anyone you know who may be looking for a childminder in this area.