Domestic Childminders and Non - Domestic Childminders
In 2024, the Department for Education improved flexibility for childminders in the early years sector. This offers them greater choice and allows them to operate in a wider range of environments.
Domestic Childminder
A domestic childminder provides care for children in their own home or a registered domestic setting.
- Premises: Operates from their own home or a domestic residence that is registered with Ofsted.
- Registration: Must register with Ofsted and comply with domestic childcare regulations.
- Flexibility: There are restrictions on how much time they can work outside their home. Previously there was a 50% limit for non-domestic premises. However, recent changes allow more flexibility to spend time in non-domestic settings.
- Group Size: Typically limited to caring for a small group of children, usually with a set ratio of children per adult.
- Environment: Care is provided in a home-like setting. This can offer a more family-oriented and familiar environment for children.
Non-Domestic Childminder
A non-domestic childminder operates from a location other than their home. This could be a commercial property, community centre, or other dedicated childcare facilities.
- Premises: Operates from non-domestic settings like commercial buildings, community centers, or office spaces.
- Registration: Must register with Ofsted specifically for non-domestic premises. Ofsted will assess the premises for suitability, safety, and compliance with childcare regulations.
- Flexibility: Offers more flexibility in terms of location and working hours. Can work entirely from non-domestic premises without restrictions on time spent there.
- Group Size: May have the option to work with larger groups of children due to fewer restrictions on the size of the premises.
- Environment: Care is provided in a more formal, structured environment. Potentially with access to more specialized resources or larger spaces for children.
Key Differences
- Premises: Domestic childminders work from home; non-domestic childminders use commercial or non-residential spaces.
- Flexibility: Non-domestic childminders have greater flexibility in terms of hours and space usage.
- Regulatory Requirements: Both must register with Ofsted. However non-domestic childminders undergo additional assessments for the suitability of their non-domestic premises.
- Group Size: Non-domestic childminders might have the opportunity to care for larger groups of children. However this depends on the premises.
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