A childminder is someone who looks after children in their home for more than two hours a day and is paid for this service. They must be registered with Ofsted and have undergone a training programme.
Numbers of children cared for
They cannot care for more than six children under the age of eight at one time, including their own children. Only three of these children can be under the age of five and only one can be under a year old.
Working hours
Childminders are self-employed and so can decide on their own working hours.
Cost
Childminders are usually paid on an hourly rate. In the Warrington area, the average rate is £3.55 per hour but this may increase if your child needs to be minded early in the morning, in the evening or at weekends.
You and the childminder will probably need to draw up and sign a contract, which will cover hours, rates, illness, holiday pay, overtime and the length of the childcare agreement.
Checks on childminders
- childminders must be checked to make sure they have no history of offences against children. Other adults living in the home must also be checked.
- their home must be checked to make sure it is safe, secure and suitable for children.
An Ofsted inspector will also make sure children in the childminder’s care are safe, well looked-after and are taking part in activities to help their learning and development.
Ofsted repeats these checks on registered childminders on a regular basis.
Choosing a childminder
Only choose someone who you and your child feel comfortable with. Always ask to see their registration certificate and the report of their last inspection. Also…
- Visit the childminder at home with your child – are you made to feel welcome?
- If children are there, are they happy, settled and busy? – does the childminder join in?
- Are there toys and books around?
- Look around – is their home safe?
- Check that they have public liability insurance
- Ask about the childminder’s daily routine – are the children involved in shopping trips, etc?
- What plans do they have to deal with emergency situations?
- How do they ensure all children are treated equally?
A list of Warrington childminders
For an up to date list of registered childminders in Warrington, contact the Families Information Service.
Contact us:
Families Information Service
2nd Floor, New Town House
Buttermarket Street
Warrington, WA1 2NJ
Tel: 01925 443131
Email: fis@warrington.gov.uk