Childminding
Finding a childminder
Here is the childminding vacancy list: last updated 29 August 2008 
(PDF: 145KB), which is updated weekly. It only contains childminders who have informed us of their current vacancies.
Note: This list only contains details of childminders who have given permission to appear online. For a full list or further information about childminding, please use the contact details opposite.
You can also search for local childcare on the Childcarelink website.
Paying for childcare
- You may be able to get help towards your childcare costs from Tax Credits.
- There are other sources of help depending on your circumstances. See Paying for childcare for more details.
Making a choice
Leaving your child with a childminder is a big step:
- Contact the Children's Information Service for an up-to-date list of childminders with vacancies
- Try to meet a number of childminders, before making your choice
- When you find one that suits your needs, get to know each other and take your child/ren on visits
- Ask to see their most recent Ofsted inspection report, registration certificate and public liability and first aid certificates. They may also show you certificates of other relevant training or qualifications they have undertaken.
Points to discuss
- Settling in, discipline, emergencies and other policies
- Costs (what is included in the price e.g. nappies, meals, trips out)
- How many children do they care for, their ages and how long have they cared for them
- What is a typical day/week
- Look at references from other parents.
Contracts
A childminder will have a contract which you will need to read carefully and agree before signing. Remember to keep a copy for yourself.
This will often include:
- Fees - including holiday pay, bank holidays and sickness
- Deposit or retainer fees (if you do not take up the place straight away)
- Notice periods.
Information on childminders
- Registered childminders look after other people’s children in the childminder's own homes.
- Childminders have to be registered and inspected by Ofsted. They have to undergo regular inspections of their homes to ensure:
- they are safe and suitable for young children
- that the care they provide meets nationally-set standards.
- Childminders, and anyone living in their home aged over 16, also have to have a Criminal Records Bureau check.
- Childminders can provide care for up to six children under the age of eight, including their own, of which no more than three can be aged under five.
- Ofsted will decide the exact number of children that can attend at any one time and this will be clearly stated on the childminder’s registration certificate.
- A childminder can also look after children aged over eight, but does not require registration for this age group.
- All childminders have to complete introductory training, including a paediatric first aid course, and many go on to do further training and professional development in areas such as child protection, health and safety and formal childcare qualifications.
- Childminders are self-employed and set their own working hours, offering full time and/or part-time places. Many look after children in the early morning, late evenings, and some provide overnight and weekend care. Some are willing to do the school/nursery drop off and pick ups.
- The cost of a childminder ranges from approximately £3 - £5 per hour, depending on the ages of the children and the amount of care provided.
- Alternatively, a nanny or au pair may be more suitable to your needs.
Barnet childminding networks
Barnet Childminding Networks are groups of registered childminders, which are supported by network co-ordinators from Barnet Council.
The co-ordinators provide:
- training
- advice
- resources and support to members of the network.
The networks have been assessed as meeting standards of good practice and have the Government’s approved “Children Come First” network status; ensuring a high quality service to children and their families. Not all childminders are part of the networks, but this does not mean that they offer a lower quality service.
Children, young people and families
