childminders

Childminders provide either full or part-time childcare from babyhood to school age and beyond. They work in their own homes and are self-employed.

In England, childminders looking after children under eight years old must, by Law, be registered with OFSTED (or the CSIW, in respect of Wales).As part of this registration process, they and other adults living in the childminder's home, have to undergo a criminal records bureau check to ensure they do not have any criminal convictions that might mean they are not "suitable" to have regular contact with other people's children.

A childminder's home is also inspected annually and the number of children in their care is limited to up to six children under eight years old (or up to the age of 12 in Scotland and Ireland ). This can include up to three children under five years, of which only one can be under one year old. The registered childminder's own children would be included within these ratios.

Childminders are required to complete a local authority approved childminder's pre-registration course and a first-aid course. They are not required to have formal training in childcare.

Pros

Cons

Flexible hours - most offer full or part-time childcare options.

Social interaction with other children of different ages.

Regulated and registered by OFSTED.

Relatively cheap compared to other forms of childcare.

Often offer a school pick-up service.

Provide, care, fun and learning in a home environment.

Develop a close relationship with families as children grow up.

Eligible for the childcare element of the Working Tax Credit.

Reliability - you will have to make alternative arrangements if your child is sick or when the childminder is on holiday/sick.

Less individual attention for your child.