Childminding

On this page: Childminding and childminders - useful information for parents.

Childminders are self-employed to offer childcare in their own homes (rather than in the child's home).

Most offer services to both under fives and school-aged children, although some specialise in a particular age group. 

They are registered and inspected by Ofsted.

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, in the Borough of Swindon, they're strongly encouraged to offer flexible services to parents including:

• Early mornings
• Late evenings
• Overnight
• Weekends
• Bank holidays
• Times to accommodate shift patterns

Specialised Childminders

There are two specialised groups of childminders in the Borough of Swindon: 

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

Home Childcarers

These differ from childminders as they are registered by Ofsted to provide childcare in the child's home.

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

Further Information

A leaflet containing advice about choosing a childminder is available as a downloadable PDF file:

• Choosing a Childminder (182Kb)

See also Family Information Service and Choosing Registered Childcare.