What is a childminder?

A childminder is someone who will care for your child in their home.  In England, a person who cares for children aged under 8 for more than 2 hours a day in their own home for reward must be registered as a childminder with the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted). All childminders are regularly monitored by Ofsted and often by their local authority.

Childminders can care for 1 to 6 children aged under 8 and provide a safe, caring environment for the children with lots of resources for them to enjoy. Many childminders provide full day care from 8am to 6pm and many offer care for children before or after school or nursery.  

All childminders have to undergo specialist introductory training in childcare practice in the home and undertake Paediatric First Aid training every three years. They must also have had an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Childminders who care for children aged under five must follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework. The EYFS Framework sets the standards that all childcare providers must meet to ensure that these children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe.

Childminders should attend regular safeguarding training to ensure they are up-to-date with local and national advice and information. To ensure their continued professional development in all areas of looking after children, childminders should attend regular training when they are not working (often in the evenings or at weekends).

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Page last reviewed: 09/07/2017

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