What makes a good childminder... what do I look for in a really good childminder apart from references, after all anybody can type and print and good reference.

Someone who can interact with your children, someone who is friendly and outgoing and has a genuine connection with children. Someone who your children seem to get on with. Hope this helps :thumbsup:.

Someone who plays and interacts with the kids, does not rely on tv to entertain. Tries to teach good habits and basic skills. Is prepared to potty train. A really really good one will volunteer to babysit (althought to be fair this is more likely in London rather than Sheffield) Does not threaten to charge you quadruple time for being five minutes late. Will tell you what your child has been up to, will cook and feed and clean.
My treasure of a childminder used to wash the dirty clothes.
Does not expect you to arrrive each day with car seat, pushchair, three changes of clothes, nappies, food, and toys, so that each day is like packing for going on holiday. A good childminder has space to either keep your things, or has a stock.

You want someone who is reliable, warns you in advance when they will be going on hols.
Do they charge you full rate when your child is not there or half rate to keep the place open? E.g. if you don't use them in the Summer hols you might end up paying full cost anyway....

What makes a good childminder... what do I look for in a really good childminder apart from references, after all anybody can type and print and good reference.


A good child :D

Have a read of their inspection report as this will give you a good indication of what standard they are at.
Ask them what they will do with your children, what groups they will visit, what local amenities there are, like parks, farms and gardens.
Wether the childminder smokes or not.
Ask them if they have a level 3 qualification or if they are doing/will do a level 3.
Look at work the children have completed, I have a folder that the parents of my other children have given permission for examples of work and pictures of their children in.
I also display pictures of the children I look after within my home so that they see familiar faces.
Have a good look at the environment the children will be in, the home and garden.
My home may not be spotless all of the time, but the basic safety measures are always in place.

When I was interviewing childminders I wanted someone who would love and interact with my child. I didn't find someone who I was totally happy with so now I am a registered childminder myself.

oh and I babysit for the children in their homes on request too :thumbsup:

I agree with all that flutterbyes says. But also go with your gut instinct, does everything feel right for you and your child. Remember the relationship with the childminder has to be right with the parents as well.

I agree with all that flutterbyes says. But also go with your gut instinct, does everything feel right for you and your child. Remember the relationship with the childminder has to be right with the parents as well.


Agreed, you have to have a good working relationship with the parents too

love :) everytime!!!

I always say what make a good carer is not on paper it comes from the heart.

Of course, Papers are needed with the amount of nutters around - So be sure to look for someone who is OFSTED registered, has correct insurance documents and someone who is willing to train further to be able to look after your child to the best standard they possibly can.

Please remember that childminders who are not registered with OFSTED are classed as babysitters by the government - so be very careful when hiring! :)

Please remember that childminders who are not registered with OFSTED are classed as babysitters by the government - so be very careful when hiring! :)
Incorrect!
You can be qualified, insured and all the rest of it and LEGAL without being with Ofsted. I sometimes think I should be careful saying that as it might give some loonies ideas, but, it is preferred not to dramatise a situation nor mispresent.
I won't go into the exact situations in which it is legal but it is worth keeping in mind that though strongly advised and a distinct measure of ideal practice, there are exceptions to Ofsted.

Sorry Zebra, when I was talking to the government the other day regarding childminding fees they gave me that information - I didnt think they could be wrong, But I stand corrected.

Thanks for the info :)