There are many different options for childcare – whether you’re looking for regular care, short-term help or a few hours on a weekend. Ultimately, it comes down to trust and confidence that your child is getting the best possible care and attention in a setting you’re comfortable with.
Choosing childcare and early education is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make, so it’s important to get it right! A good starting point is to speak with several different settings – you may even need to visit them a few times to ensure you find the right match for your child.
A Childminder Near Me
In a childminding setting, children are looked after by qualified and experienced childcare professionals. These are often nannies, teachers and nursery nurses.
They offer homely and flexible childcare that suits your lifestyle, giving you peace of mind when it comes to drop off and pick up times. You can also be confident that they’ll follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), as they should, and keep your child safe, healthy and happy.
Nannying
Nannies work full-time in a family home and are usually highly qualified and experienced. They can provide a combination of child care, household management and educational opportunities for your child.
If you’re looking for a nanny, it’s always a good idea to find out how many children they look after in their home. This is important as it can impact on the level of attention they can give to each child in their care.
It’s a good idea to meet the childminder before they begin to look after your child, so that you can get an idea of how the environment is run and how the child feels about their care provider. You can ask them about their policies and procedures, as well as how they handle any problems that arise.
Unlike some other forms of childcare, a childminder doesn’t charge a fee to you, as they are self-employed and decide their working hours, fees and the terms of their contract – so be sure to read it carefully before signing.
The majority of childminders are registered with the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) or a local authority-approved childminding agency. They’re checked for quality and safety, and all adults living with them have been background-checked.
A Childminder near me
It’s important to choose a reputable childminder, so be sure to do your research and speak to their existing customers. Then ask to see their inspection report, and read through the childminder’s policies and procedures carefully. They should also be able to provide you with a copy of their SCMA Learning Log and Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) record. childminder near me