Choosing a Child Carer London

By  National Childminding Association of England and Wales Supernanny Expert 04/10/2006

Childcare in a home environment is a more flexible option than a nursery or day care centre. It gives children the opportunity to enjoy real-life learning experiences like cooking, shopping, gardening, mealtimes and outings to the park or library. The childcarers can be more spontaneous than those who work in an institution – an unexpected sunny or snowy day can be taken advantage of on the spur of the moment. They are also ideally placed to look after disabled children, taking into account their individual needs.

You will need to decide between a childminder and a nanny. Childminders work in their own homes while nannies work in the home of the children they’re looking after. Childminders usually look after children from other families as well as yours, while nannies usually work just for one family at a time.

Registered childminders

Registered childminders are generally self-employed. Those who care for children under the age of 8 are required by law to be registered and inspected by Ofsted in England, or by the Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales (CSIW) in Wales. All childminders take introductory training and most also hold a relevant qualification. To go on the register, they must have public liability insurance, a health check, an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) disclosure, and a valid first-aid certificate.

Nannies

Some nannies live in; others come to work daily, while some work for two or more families. Unlike childminders, nannies do not have to be registered and inspected. Many are trained but this is not required by law. Neither are there limitations on the number of children they may look after nor any legal requirement for a CRB disclosure. However, reassuringly, they can now be approved under the Government’s Childcare Approval Scheme.

Over 7’s childminders

Childminders who care only for children over the age of 7 (i.e. 8 year olds and above) do not have to be registered or inspected by Ofsted and are not governed by national standards for childminding. However, like nannies, they can be approved under the Government’s Childcare Approval Scheme. Over-7s childminders provide care before and after school, taking children to their after-school activities.

Where to start looking for a childminder or nanny

Before you start to look for a childminder or nanny, think about what kind of person you want to care for your children. What level of qualification or experience is important to you? What activities do you want them to do with the children? Think about your own parenting style and whether you’d like someone to match or complement you. To find both childminders and nannies, the best place to start is by asking people you know. Tell colleagues, friends and families that you are looking for childcare. They may be able to recommend someone they themselves use or have used. However, always remember that it’s your de...

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