Before you visit a childminder, spend some time thinking about all the things you are looking for in a Childminder?
First and foremost is your Childminder Registered and Insured? – this is absolutely vital.
Below are some suggested questions:
- Ask to see a current Registration Certificate which is the licence to practice as a Childminder.
- How long has the Childminder been registered?
- How long does she intend to continue to Childmind?
- What hours does the Childminder work?
- Is there flexibility on picking up times?
- Charges per hour/week? what are the charges for holidays/sickness?
- What training or experience does the Childminder have?
- Is she taking part in a quality assurance scheme?
- Does she have adequate insurance cover provided in relation to her childminding role?
- Ask to see her current insurance certificate.
- Can references be provided from other parents?
- Is a retainer fee required to keep a place open?
- Are there pets in the household? If so, where are they kept?
- Does the Childminder smoke or anyone in the household?
- Are there other people who will be in the house when your children will be there?
- Does the Childminder have a car? Will she take children to/from school/playgroup? If so, does she have appropriate level of insurance? Are seat belts/car safety seats fitted?
- What food is provided? What about healthy snacks? Are there extra costs for food?
- Is she prepared to cater for special diets?
- What are the ages of her own children?
- What sort of routine does she have? What other visits will be made as part of the days programme?
- How does the Childminder provide for a mixed age group of children?
- How many other children does she care for and what are their ages? Will they all be present when your child is there?
- How often does the Childminder take the children out and to where? Is there an outside play area? or a park nearby?
- Is there an emergency arrangement with another Childminder? If so, visit them also
- Are there plenty of books and toys available?
- What local amenities does the Childminder use – library, swimming pool, Parent & Toddler groups etc.
- Is there somewhere quiet for the children to rest or sleep during the day?
- Do the children seem happy and at ease?
- How does the Childminder fit in household chores? And how will this affect your child’s day?
- What is the settling in policy for new children?
- What is the behaviour policy for the setting, do you agree with it?
