Choosing a childminder
A childminder is self-employed and registered by OFSTED to care for other people's children in their own home.
Offering a homely setting, in which there will be a maximum of six children under eight, no more than three of whom will be under five and with only one child being under the age of 12 months.
- Childminders can offer full-time, part-time and flexible day care for children of all ages
- Most are willing to take and collect from pre-school, nursery and school
- They may care for school aged children before and after school and in the holidays
- Some childminders are registered to provide overnight care and some offer specialist care for children with additional needs
All adults over 16 in the household have had an enhanced check with the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS).
Childminders follow the statutory guidance of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
The council's Childcare Officers support childminders with less than good OFSTED judgement, new to childminding and a member of Wiltshire quality improvement cluster.
Support and advice is provided to all childminders around safeguarding and children with additional needs. Training is also provided.