Registered childminders are professional day carers who work in their own home to provide care and education for other peoples children in a family setting. They usually offer childcare that covers the times that most working parents need. Some offer childcare during the evenings and at weekends.

Childminders are almost always self-employed and take care of their own Tax and National Insurance. They are not ‘employed’ by parents but negotiate a contract for their service for which they charge a fee. They may choose to charge by the hour, the day or week. The fees will cover expenses including food and drink, heating, safety equipment, toys and insurance.

Childminders must attend training before they register with the Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales. As part of the registration process, police checks are carried out on the childminder and on anyone over the age of 16 years living at the same address, as well as on visitors who may have regular contact with the children. Childminders are inspected annually to monitor standards and premises.

Registered childminders are allowed to care for 3 children up to 5 years old and a further 3 children between the ages of 5 - 8 years. This ratio includes the childminders own children. Many childminders continue to care for children up to 14 years and beyond, so providing a continuity of care that is unrivalled in the childcare profession. Childminders can offer a flexibility of service that is difficult to find in other provision.

When choosing a childminder, it is advisable to visit and meet several childminders in order to find one who is best suited for you and your child.

For further information contact:
National Childminding Association (NCMA)
www.ncma.org.uk

Local NCMA Office: Elinor Stafford, Development Worker
01792 324454

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