A childminder near me offers a number of different types of childcare for children. They are a great option for parents who want to find childcare close to home and can offer a flexible approach to suit their working hours.
A childminding service provides regular, home-based care for children of varying ages and often includes the children of the childminder’s own family. They are registered with Ofsted to deliver a range of childcare services to meet the needs of young children and their families.
They work in the child’s own home and offer a wide variety of activities. They follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, which helps children to develop their skills and knowledge in key areas of learning.
Many childminders also run out-of-school clubs, which provide after school and holiday care for children in their own homes. These can include breakfast clubs, after-school clubs and holiday play schemes.
Childminders are self-employed and make their own decisions about their working hours, fees and terms of their service – they will negotiate a contract for the service for which they charge a fee. It’s important to read the contract carefully and ensure that both parties agree to it before signing.
It’s a good idea to visit several different childminding settings before deciding on one for your family, and it can be a good idea to take your child along with you. This allows you to meet the childminder, see them working with other children and get a feel for how your child will feel in their setting.
Some childminders will offer a settling in period where you can speak to them about your family and what they will be providing for your child. This can help you decide if the childminder is right for your family, and can give you a chance to iron out any issues before the contract comes into effect.
A nanny is someone who looks after children and is trained in childcare, household management and other aspects of child care. They are usually career childcare providers and can be very experienced.
They can be hired part-time, full-time or on a contract basis and can provide childcare and household management services all in the same role. A nanny is also ideal for parents who work from home, as they can help with tasks like cooking and cleaning, making sure that essential chores are completed, and providing education and enrichment opportunities for your children.
In England childminders must be registered with Ofsted, and in Scotland and Wales they must be registered with their local authority’s Care Inspectorate. They are all required to complete training which helps them understand the EYFS, and to have First Aid and Safeguarding training.