Helpful tips when looking for childcare

• Warm, welcoming and safe home environment
• Clean, age-appropriate play areas
• Regular supervised outdoor play
• Toys, furniture and resources should be safe, well maintained and suitable for children’s ages.

• Appropriate safety measures in place
• Medicines and hazardous items stored safely
• Children supervised at all times
• Clear first aid and illness procedures

• Kind, attentive and responsive childminder
• Strong focus on secure attachments
• Understanding of each child’s routines and preferences

• Learning follows the EYFS for childminders
• Play-based and tailored to each child
• Learning is shared regularly with parents

• Clear daily routines explained
• Flexible, personalised settling-in arrangements
• Support for children to feel safe and confident
• Healthy meals and snacks, respecting dietary needs
• Effective systems are in place to manage allergies, dietary requirements and preferences

• Behaviour should be supported positively, in a calm and consistent manner.
• Expectations should be age-appropriate and based on children’s development.
• The childminder should support children to understand feelings, manage emotions and develop social skills.
• Children should always be treated with respect and patience.

• The childminder should promote inclusive practice.
• They should be confident in supporting children from different backgrounds
• Support for children with additional needs should be discussed openly
• The childminder should work in partnership with parents and other professionals where needed

The childminder should be happy to talk openly with me about my child.

• They should ask about my child’s needs, routines, likes and dislikes.
• The childminder should explain how they support children individually in a home‑based setting
• My child should feel safe, included and welcomed at all times
• The childminder should notice if my child needs extra help and respond early
• I should know who to speak to if I have any questions or worries
• Play, activities and routines should be adapted where needed so my child can take part

• The childminder should be registered with Ofsted.
• Parents should be able to see the most recent Ofsted inspection report.
• Any actions or improvements should be discussed openly.
• The childminder should hold appropriate insurance and understand their legal responsibilities

• Communication should be open, regular and respectful.
• Parents should be informed about their child’s day, learning and wellbeing.
• The childminder should value partnership with parents and welcome questions.
• Clear procedures should be in place for sharing concerns or resolving issues.

• Clear information about fees, hours and holidays
• Written contract and policies provided
• Policies should include:
  • Safeguarding
  • Settling-in
  • Behaviour management
  • Attendance
  • Illness and complaints
• The childminder should focus on what my child can do, and help build their confidence
• Support should be personal, flexible and consistent, reflecting a small, caring setting.
• If needed, the childminder should explain how they work with other professionals, with my consent
• Communication with me should be regular, clear and respectful
• I should feel listened to, reassured and confident about my child being cared for

• Parents should consider whether they feel comfortable, confident and reassured.
• Parents should consider what type of childminder setting they would like. Some childminders
  • work alone
  • work with assistants
  • work from a home setting
  • work from another premises that is not their home