A childminder near me is a person who offers a childcare service in their own home for children aged up to eight years. They are registered with Ofsted and must follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum.
They are self-employed and will negotiate a contract for their services, which is legally binding and sets out their fees and working hours. It’s important to read the contract carefully before signing and keep a copy of it safe.
There are many different types of childcare available. Some are more professional, such as a nanny. Others are more informal, such as a babysitter or family friend.
Choosing a nanny can be a great way to ensure you have someone who looks after your child full-time, while you’re at work. They are usually highly qualified and often have degrees in education or nursing, as well as experience looking after a large number of children.
Another option is to use a childminder who offers an occasional short-term care service for children under eight, such as at breakfast clubs or after-school clubs. These are a flexible way of looking after your children, and some even offer holiday play schemes to help fit in with school holidays.
A childminder also often provides a more personalised service than other types of childcare, with lower adult to child ratios and a more nurturing environment. They can provide a variety of activities for your child, such as cooking and gardening.
It’s a good idea to visit several childminders in your area before you decide which one is best for you. This will give you a chance to see the setting and talk to the childminder about their approach to ensuring the children are happy, secure and learning.
The most important thing is to find a childminder you feel comfortable with. You want someone who will treat your child as their own, ensuring they are well looked after and happy in the setting.
They must be registered with Ofsted and have a current first aid certificate, as well as other qualifications such as a local authority approved childminding course or training in Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Some also have DBS checks for adults living in their house and they can be members of a ‘quality assurance scheme’ run by their local council or the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years.
A childminder is a good choice if you need a childcare provider who will be able to meet your working schedule and budget. They are usually very flexible and can accommodate both daytime and evening sessions, providing a more personalised service than a nursery. They also offer a ‘home away from home’, so you can drop your child off and pick them up from a familiar place. childminder near me