Childminders are childcare professionals who nurture children and provide a high quality education, usually within the childminder’s own home* for two or more hours a day.

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They are qualified, insured and regulated by official organisations, such as Ofsted or agencies, and these regulatory bodies will vary depending upon which part of the UK the childminder is based within. 

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There are legal requirements and government issued statutory frameworks that childminders must follow in order to operate their childminding businesses.  For example, there are strict adult to child ratios, safeguarding protocols and compulsory record keeping.  All childminders, all staff and members of the childminder's family aged 16 or over who share their home must have Disclosure and Barring Service certificates.

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Childminders tend to educate and care for early years children (from birth up until they start school) and they may also offer wrap around care, which enables siblings to stay together.  This means they provide care for school aged children outside of school hours, but they are not officially responsible for their education, although they provide some support towards this.​

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Childminders may also offer childcare for children of all ages who are home educated.  They are not responsible for their education, but they are highly likely to provide educational activities and experiences during the children's time in their care. as they would with all the other children!​

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​Childminders are independent business owners who choose their own hours and days of work, meaning some may offer great flexibility for families, often supporting requirements for early starts, evening, weekend or even overnight care (this requires additional protocols).​

Childminders (in England) are able to offer 15/30 hour funded places. They can also accept tax free childcare vouchers and other employer voucher schemes too, all of which can save parents a significant amount of money! 

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*There are now more flexibilities in England that permit childminders to work with colleagues in group settings on non domestic premises.