How can I be sure of good quality care for my child from a childminder?
Childminders must be registered before they begin to work with children. This means checks are carried out to make sure they are suitable to look after children. People over the age of 16 living in the childminder’s house are also checked by the Criminal Records Bureau to make sure they do not have a conviction that disqualifies them from being involved in the care of children. A check on the childminder’s home is carried out to make sure it is safe and suitable for children. After a childminder is registered, an annual inspection is carried out to make sure that the childminder is continuing to provide a safe and suitable service. By law, childminders must be insured in case a child they are looking after has an accident or damages someone else’s property. They must have first aid training which covers giving first aid to babies and children. You can ask to see a childminder’s registration certificate and latest inspection report. It is illegal for an unregistered person to look after
