| Choosing a childminder |
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- For an up to date list of childminders please click here.
- For more information about choosing a childminder please click here.
- Visit several childminders to compare them and see how they get on with your child.
- Ask for any references or names of parents who have used their service.
- When discussing fees makes sure you are clear about what this includes.
Suggested questions to ask:
- Ask to see a copy of their registration and insurance certificates and their latest Ofsted Inspection report? Childminder’s certificate of registration states how many children they can care for. This could be up to 6 children under 8 years, of these no more than 3 may be under 5 years, of these no more than 1 may be under 12 months.
- What are their normal hours of work?
- Ask if they are a network childminder?
- What are their fees?
- Do their fees include meals?
- What are their charges for absence or sickness and holidays?
- When do they plan to take their holidays?
- What are their overtime rates?
- Ask to contact parents whose children they have looked after for references?
- How many other children do they look after and what are their ages?
- What training and experience do they have?
- What activities and routines do they provide for the children?
- What outings will they plan?
- Will they attend any local drop ins groups?
- What do they do about sweets, snacks and drinks?
- How do they manage difficult behaviour?
- How would they deal with an emergency?
- What would happen if you wished to make a complaint, are you able to see their complaints log?
- Do they have any pets, how will they make sure children are kept safe around pets?
- Do they drive? If so, does their car have the right seats and do they have appropriate insurance cover.
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020 8820 7000.