10/05/2021
Why choose a childminder?
There are many benefits to choosing a childminder as your childcare option:
Professional registration
Childminders are registered with, and regularly inspected by, Care Inspectorate and are expected to provide high quality childcare. Childminders and other adults within the home are PVG or DBS checked for safety.
Qualifications
Childminders often have additional childcare qualifications, and have essential training including Child Protection, Paediatric First Aid and Food Hygiene.
Low adult /child ratio
Childminders are registered to care for up to 3 children of pre-school age and 3 children of school age. This low adult/child ratio allows for children’s individual needs to be met.
Family friendly
Childminding offers parents the opportunity for all of their children to be cared for in the same setting regardless of age, stage and ability. Minded children are not segregated because of age or stage. This encourages siblings to bond and so encourages family relationships to fully develop.
Part of the community
Children are cared for in their own community, enabling them to build and develop their own local connections and providing opportunities for close links with community based services and with local schools.
Real life learning
Children are looked after in a real family home and can enjoy real life experiences like cooking, shopping, gardening, mealtimes etc. From these everyday activities, children can learn basic science, maths, social skills and language skills.
Environment
Being looked after in a calm home environment can be preferable to a busy nursery, particularly for younger children, where it may be noisy and stressful.
Affordability
Childminders can often be the most affordable option for parents, and as registered provision, are eligible for both vouchers/tax free childcare scheme and the childcare element of tax credits. Many childminders are in talks with local authorities to deliver funded hours come 2020.
Consistency
One of the main reasons is consistency; it is hugely positive to have the same person look after your child, where they can build a strong relationship and get to know your child as well as you do!
