Childminding

The 1989 Children Act requires that anyone who cares for other peoples children aged under eight for more than 2 hours per day for reward must be registered with OFSTED (Office for Standards in Education.) If you are interested in registering as a childminder and live in Harrow please call Harrow Families Information Service for information.

Choosing a Childminder

• Childminders look after children in the childminder's own home. They are registered with OFSTED and inspected regularly. Always ask to see a childminders' registration certificate as this will show any restrictions to the registration, then check with the Families Information Service that the childminder is still registered.
  
• When you have chosen your childminder if you would like more information, which could include comments or concerns expressed at the inspection please contact the OFSTED Early Years Information Line.
  

• We advise you to check that your childminder has taken out Public Liability Insurance to cover their work.

• Childminders can often be flexible about the hours that they work and they should provide your child with care, fun and learning.

• Childminders can make the most of local parks, playgrounds, toy libraries, activity sessions and community centres.  

• It is important that you take time to choose a childminder who will best suit the needs of your child/children.

Plus points

• your child will be in a home environment
• childminders can support families for years as children grow up
• childminders can be flexible in the hours that they work