Childminders care for children from three months old through to primary school age and sometimes for children who are just starting secondary school. Most childminders offer full time care throughout the year, excluding public holidays and their own annual holidays. They work in their own homes providing play and learning opportunities in a family setting. They are often prepared to drop children off at school or pre-school and pick them up later. Because they care for such a wide age range they may also be able to care for brothers and sisters together.

Childminders are self-employed so they decide their working hours and fees. They will discuss these issues with you and draw up a contract of the service they have agreed to provide. Some childminders can work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

Childminders are registered and inspected by Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education) and have to meet the National Day Care Standards. All registered childminders attend a training course before they begin caring for children as well as undertaking first aid training. Many childminders hold further childcare qualifications or are working towards them.

Call Families Information Direct for lists of childminders who have vacancies. We can also offer guidance on pay and conditions and what to look for when visiting a childminder as well as important issues like settling your child into the childminders home and how to organise a good working relationship.You can also view groups online through the Childcarelink website but be aware that not all childminders give their consent to their details being online.