Childminders

Childminders are self-employed to offer childcare in their own homes including childcare for disabled children. Most offer services to both under fives and school aged children though some specialise in a particular age group. They are registered and inspected by Ofsted to deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage and are able to provide a copy of their most recent Ofsted inspection report on request.

Many parents choose a childminder as they need additional flexibility due to their work patterns or so that their child will be cared for in a small group in a home environment.

Childminders choose their own working hours but are strongly encouraged in Swindon to offer flexible services to parents including early mornings, late evenings, weekends, bank holidays and times to accommodate shift patterns.

Some childminders in Swindon meet higher quality standards by being members of a Local Authority approved network. Additionally there are two specialised groups of childminders:

• Childminders who have experience and training in caring for disabled children (the opportunity network)
• Childminders who are able to offer funded early education sessions (accredited childminders)

To find a registered childminder, networked childminder, or for a leaflet about choosing a childminder, or for information about financial help available to pay for childcare costs see the Family Information Service page.

Home Childcarers

Home Childcarers are employed by the parent/s of the children in their care and work in that family’s home. They choose to be registered by Ofsted on the Voluntary Childcare Register.

Benefits to parents and home childcarers of this scheme are:

• The home childcarer meets minimum qualification standards
• A Criminal Records Bureau check is carried out on the home childcarer
• As the provision is registered, parents are eligible to apply for the Childcare Element of the Working Tax Credit
• Home childcarers working at an address in the Borough of Swindon can access funded support for training through Swindon Sure Start Partnership (www.earlyyearschildcare.org)

Parents employing a home childcarer have responsibilities as employers for matters such as appropriate insurance and PAYE.

For more information about the Voluntary Childcare Register see the Ofsted website (www.ofsted.gov.uk).