Benefits of childminders
More than 300,000 children are cared for by registered childminders. Below you'll find some of the reasons why childminding is parents' most popular choice of formal childcare but, if you'd like to know more, you can:
- visit http://www.ncma.org.uk/ where you can download a copy of NCMA's guide to Choosing a Home Childcarer; or
- call NCMA's freephone information line on 0800 169 4486, where trained staff will help answer your queries.
Families choose registered childminders because they are:
Safe As part of registration childminders will have had an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau disclosure (the most stringent available); a health check; and had their home inspected to make sure it is safe for children. They will have also shown a childcare inspector how they meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage in England and national standards for childminders in Wales.
Stimulating Registered childminders have the freedom to give children a wide range of experiences both in and out of the house: attending play sessions so children can mix with larger groups, trips to the park, baking or painting. For younger children, childminders work within their country's early years curriculum to offer pre-schoolers a stimulating day, while accredited childminders on an NCMA Children Come First childminding network can offer free early education sessions to 3- and 4-year-olds.
Practical Being able to care for a mix of ages means that siblings of different ages can be cared for together, which is beneficial for them, and means just one drop-off and pick-up point for you. And, because childminders tend to live near the families they work with, there is less travelling for all involved.
Personal Caring for small numbers of children means that childminders get to really know the children and families they work with, allowing them to offer very individual support , whether it is potty training or helping with homework. Children also benefit from consistent care from one person who knows their individual needs and their individual interests.
Flexible Childminders are usually self-employed and so can set their own hours and, so they may be able to offer you overnight care, short-term placements or one-off sessions.
Financially viable If you are eligible for tax credits then you may be able to get help with your childcare costs if you're using a registered childminder. Visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits for more information.
You may also be able to get help from your employer if they operate a salary sacrafice scheme. Get your employer to look at www.hmrc.gov.uk/childcare for more information.
Local Childminders live and work in their own homes and so they are based in residential areas, often very close to the families they care for. This means your children can grow up in their community, visiting the local shops and parks they're familiar with and usually still be able to attend local clubs or visit their friends.
