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Why choose a childminder?

Childminders must be registered with the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) if they look after children from 0 - 8 years of age. Childminders can look after older children but they do not have to be registered.

All childminders are registered with Ofsted use the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the standards that all childminders and nurseries must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe.

Registered childminders:

Wandsworth Council's Early Years and Intervention Support Service (EYISS) organise regular 'Meet the Minder' sessions where parents and childminders can meet. At these sessions you can also find out more information about contracts and get general advice about employing a childminder. 

Childminders set their own hours and costs. They usually charge between £5-£10 an hour. There may be reductions if you use their care for a full week or if you have more than one child in their care. You can also use Tax Credits and employer's childcare vouchers to help pay for the costs of childcare. Some childminders also offer 15 hours of free early and nursery education for three- and four-year-olds

The Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY) have information both for parents when thinking about choosing a childminder and for potential childminders. 

The Childminding Support Service can provide extra assistance with finding a childminder through their childcare brokerage service.  To access the brokerage service please call Wandsworth Council's Childminding Childcare Support Service 020 8871 6223 / 5337 to discuss your childminding requirements.

Useful links:

List of childminders in Wandsworth