The information on this page is presented in the format of frequently asked questions. Please click a question from the index below to see the appropriate answer.
What is a childminder?
Childminders look after children in the childminder's own home. Childminders (other than relatives) who look after children under eight for a total of more than two hours per day and for any form of reward must by law be registered with OFSTED and inspected every year. Childminders can often be flexible about the hours they work and they should provide children with a range of activities. Most childminders will offer a pick up/ drop off service from local schools, nurseries and pre-schools.
Where can I get a list of childminders in my area?
To get a list of registered childminders, Call Slough Sure Start Information Service (SSIS) on 01628 660098 or email sure.start@slough.gov.uk. Alternatively, you can visit www.childcarelink.gov.uk/slough where you can find a list of childminders that have agreed to having their information made public. However, please be aware that this will not be a full list.
How much does a childminder charge?
Childminders are self employed and set their own charges. There is no national rate. You may be able to get help with childcare costs for registered childminders through working tax credit.
How do I obtain independent inspection reports about registered childminders?
Details of inspection reports about registered childminders are available on the OFSTED website at the following link: www.ofsted.gov.uk
How can I be sure of good quality care for my child from a childminder?
Childminders must be registered before they begin to work with children. This means checks are carried out to make sure they are suitable to look after children. People over the age of 16 living in the childminder's house are also checked by the Criminal Records Bureau to make sure they do not have a conviction that disqualifies them from being involved in the care of children.
A check on the childminder's home is carried out to make sure it is safe and suitable for children. After a childminder is registered, an annual inspection is carried out to make sure that the childminder is continuing to provide a safe and suitable service.
By law, childminders must be insured in case a child they are looking after has an accident or damages someone else’s property. They must have first aid training which covers giving first aid to babies and children. You can ask to see a childminder’s registration certificate and latest inspection report.
It is illegal for an unregistered person to look after children for reward for more then two hours a day.
How many children will there be with a childminder?
Registered childminders can care for up to six children under the age of eight of whom no more than three can be aged under five. Usually they are registered for three children under five and three between five and eight at any one time.
OFSTED decides on the number of children a childminder is registered for and will take the childminder's own children into account and size of property when setting this number.
Childminders are generally limited to caring for one baby under 12 months. A special arrangement can be made with OFSTED, which enables childminders to care for more than one child under one if they can demonstrate that they can meet the varying needs of all children in their care. Childminders can work with an assistant, who is also registered, to enable them to care for larger groups of children.
What age range are the children with a childminder?
A childminder's registration allows them to look after children from birth to age eight, however, they can look after older children should they want to.
Should I insist on signing a contract with the childminder?
Yes. All registered childminders are required by the National Daycare Standards to have a contract with the parent of each child they look after.
Will the childminder be qualified to care for my child and are they checked in any way?
All registered childminders receive induction training. They will also receive first aid training within the first six months of registration as a childminder. Registered childminders are also checked by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) to ensure they are suitable to work with children. Any adults (over 16) living with the childminder will be health and police checked.
Will childminders be able to cater for my child if they have specific needs?
Slough Sure Start Information Service (SSIS) will try to help you find a childminder who can cater for your child's specific needs where possible. If a suitable childminder cannot be found then SSIS will help you find alternative childcare.
What are the working hours for a childminder?
Childminders are self-employed and so they decide on their own working hours. Childminders can provide care between 8am and 6pm with many offering more flexible hours to include early mornings, evenings, weekends and overnight. You will need to negotiate hours, terms and conditions with the childminder.
Does my mother/sister/brother who cares for my child have to be registered?
No, close relatives do not need to be registered.
Can my child attend more than one care provision each day?
Yes, your child can attend more then one car provision each day. There are no restrictions on the number of Childminders looking after your child.
Can childminders offer part time childcare?
Many childminders provide part time care for children. They often drop off or collect children from schools, nurseries or playgroups.
Are all childminders covered by accident insurance?
All registered childminders must have public liability insurance and business use car insurance. You should always ask to see their certificate of insurance to ensure they have the cover.
How do I complain about the care my child receives from the childminder?
Complaints about childminders should be made to OFSTED. Please ring 0845 6014772 or visit the OFSTED website at www.ofsted.gov.uk
For all enquiries please contact the Customer Service Centre
01753 475111
My Council
Landmark Place
High Street
Slough
opposite Slough Library
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