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“I wanted flexible childcare, that puts my children’s needs first, accommodates my children together and is able to adapt to my changing working needs. I have discovered a solution and would like to share it with you.”
My solution comes from a Registered Childminder. Helen looks after my children in her family home – does lots of fantastic activities with them, and they love being with her. For example, when Helen settled in my new baby, George (she met him on the maternity wing when he was 2 days old), she was already looking after my older child. She was then able to follow George’s routine when I returned to work. She always makes time to chat, share news about the day and keeps me informed. The first time my older child, Carl, achieved on the potty and wanted to save it to show Mum, she took a photo, and together they emailed his jubilant face to me at work. I know not every childminder offers this service, but I was there sharing his success and I’ll always remember it, and so will most of my work colleagues! When Carl was three years old and his only interest was trains, not only would they build railways almost daily, but they would go to the Library and read more stories. Carl soon named all the engines, their colours and their numbers too. They also went on a train trip, and recorded the day as a photo story, which we read almost nightly at home. Now that Carl is starting school, he is excited to know that he will play before and after school at Helen’s house: that he can carry his own book bag to school and go in just like his big friends that he has made from school visits for the last two years. He gets to read his homework book to his brother, and share a snack together before I return to pick them both up. At school he’s made an excellent start, as my childminder ensured he had mixed with plenty of children his own age, and was already part of the school community having attended toddler group, watched school plays, and had regularly been into the classroom. Helen has already told me that she can have Carl on the day closure later this term and they are deciding where to go together. Carl, George and the other children she has that day will encounter another adventure. My childminder is always there for my children. She offers a sympathetic ear and if I need help she often knows a solution or can find an answer really quickly. She is always prepared to adapt her plans and includes my children. I hope you can all find one like her! Childminders in Hampshire Baby Hampshire has been finding out more about Hampshire childminders. We have discovered that there are about 2,800 Registered Childminders working from their own homes throughout Hampshire. The Basics Ofsted requires all childminders to display their Ofsted Certificate of Registration, have a current first aid certificate (valid for three years), and to have completed an approved pre-registration course within six months of registering. They must also have Public Liability Insurance. A childminder can normally care for a maximum of six children under eight years including their own, three of whom can be under five years. They can also care for the over eights, but don’t need to be registered with Ofsted for this age group. Different childminders offer different services. Some work full-time hours, some part-time and many combine the two. They can provide occasional childcare, cover in the school holidays, as well as before and after school. Some childminders are prepared to work weekends and some are even registered to care for children overnight. The Cost The cost of childcare varies throughout Hampshire with rates ranging from around £2.50 - £6 an hour depending on the level of care on offer. Some childminders include home cooked meals, some offer a nappy laundering service, some charge for outings and trips, while others are fully inclusive. When you have more than one child, some may offer you a discount. Financial help is available for childcare. Many childminders take childcare vouchers from your employer. Up to 70% can be claimed back through Working Family Tax Credit, and some childminders can claim the Early Years Education Funding Grant and offer a free 15 hour place for 3 and 4 year olds. Accreditation 10% of the childminders in Hampshire have volunteered to undertake further training and are regularly monitored by the National Childminding Association (NCMA) staff to ensure parents and children receive the quality care, education and support that they need, as part of an Accredited Children Come First Network. The majority of this unique group of childminders have a level three qualification in Child Care and Education, and continue to update their knowledge and experience by attending at least four relevant training days a year. This is the same level of training as a Preschool or Nursery Supervisor. Finding a Childminder The best way to find a good childminder is to ask other parents, or to contact the Children’s Information Service (CIS). Look up the childminders in your area and arrange to meet as many as possible. Look at the service each childminder offers. Find out whether they will work the hours you need. Ask about their experience with children and their ideas on behaviour management and see if you have similar views. Also ask to see their Registration Certificate and Ofsted report. Look at their portfolios and if you are sure this is the childminder for you, then agree the fees. I you have any doubts, keep looking. We were surprised at how the service varied. Changing Attitudes Childminding has changed in the last ten years and the standards of childminding is continuing to improve. Traditionally, childminders were mums who stayed at home with their own children and needed to earn some extra pennies. Today many childminders have chosen childminding as a career, as they feel this offers children the best start, enables them to follow the children’s interests and keeps families together. Childminders throughout Hampshire are undertaking the same level of inspections as other Early Years settings, are active members of their local communities and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that some of Hampshire childminders are men. To find your nearest childminder, contact the Children’s information Service at www.childcarelink.gov.uk or phone 0845 6021125 To find out more about Network Childminders throughout Hampshire, contact the Hampshire Networks on 01256 359090. For more information and a free guide to what to look for in a childminder, visit the National Childminding Association web site at www.ncma.org.uk
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