Childminders

Childminders look after children in the childminder's own home. They can often be flexible about the hours they work and most will drop off or pick up children from local schools, pre-schools and nurseries.

How to choose a childminder

Every childminder is different, so look for someone who will meet your family needs. Childminders should provide children with lots of fun, care and learning. They can take your child to local parks, playgrounds, parent and toddler groups and libraries.

Childminder registration

Childminders who look after children under 8 for a total of more than 2 hours per day and for any form of reward must by law be registered with Ofsted, who carry out regular checks on the home and childminder.

• Request information on local childminders

• Visit national childcarefinder website Please note this is a new site and work is ongoing to improve the search facility and information available.

• Find out more in the Looking for Childcare booklet