What to look for in a childminder?

hardpressed

If you only need child care for 8 days a month could you consider a nanny/mother's help?

_Kate__2

Both childminders and nurseries are inspected and regulated by Ofsted.

They both have to have unannounced visits every 3 years.

The same adult:child ratio applies.

They both have to adhere to the learning and development/welfare requirements set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage. (This is the 'curriculum' for children from birth to 5 years)

In these ways both offer the same, in a million other ways they are worlds apart!

It really is up to you to decide what kind of environment you prefer.

DomRavioli

_Kate_ wrote: »

Both childminders and nurseries are inspected and regulated by Ofsted.

They both have to have unannounced visits every 3 years. - this is 3-4 years, and if a complaint which can be investigated is received they receive an inspection.

The same adult:child ratio applies.

They both have to adhere to the learning and development/welfare requirements set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage. (This is the 'curriculum' for children from birth to 5 years) - Birth to the 31st august following a child's fifth birthday.

In these ways both offer the same, in a million other ways they are worlds apart!

It really is up to you to decide what kind of environment you prefer.

Best thing to do would be to speak to either your local authority (they have a list of childcarers in your area - nannies, childminders and day care facilities), or go onto the ofsted website where you can do a postcode search, as well as read the reports from ofsted and any complaints upheld against a provider.

jackyann

I think that it can depend on other factors - if a young child is being cared for full-time, then a family atmosphere can be very important (yes, even being dragged out in all weathers, just like a real family!) and they get such pleasure from the older children.
The excellent facilities offered by many nurseries can feel a bit "sterile" to me - none of the up-and-downs, rough-and-tumble of real family life, BUT for 8 days a month could offer your princess a great addition to the family life she gets for the other 22 or so! A nursery is also much more likely to accommodate 2 days a week.
I agree you should look at your local authority's site and get as much info as you can to begin with - but then trust your instincts. You would however, be very lucky to get a childminder who could offer only 8 days a month.

I would only go with a nanny if you can get some sort of share with another family (usually arranged informally, but check his / her qualifications & experience). A mother's help can mean anything - usually unqualified - and I would be wary. It would be unusual to find someone reliable who could just come for that amount of time, and if you go through an agency, you risk different people turning up.

Savvy_Sue

hardpressed wrote: »

If you only need child care for 8 days a month could you consider a nanny/mother's help?

because the two 'supplementary' questions you need to ask in your situation are:

"Will you do 8 days per month?"

"How much notice will you need for the days we need you?"

You will find things MUCH easier if there's any chance of your DH doing the same days of the week, or at least one of them being fixed.

LandyAndy

Both our children went to childminders from the earliest possible age. It was very successful. The childminders were excellent.

robpw2

ofsted registration