Why use a Childminder?
 

One of the advantages of using a childminder is that your baby or child will be one of a small group, and the childminder can therefore offer plenty of individual attention. Childminders usually have mixed-age groups, which closely mirrors family life and may help your child learn to feel comfortable around older and younger children. It also makes it easier to care for all the children in a family, from babies to school age children. Often, childminders look after children from babyhood through to secondary school, giving them a great sense of security and continuity.

Taking your child to a childminder can be the next best thing to your own home. If you're lucky enough to find a good childminder close by, so much the better; your child will feel even more at home.  Using a registered childminder means that you may be able to get help with your childcare costs through the childcare element of the Working Tax Credit (WTC). To find out more, ring the Inland Revenue Tax Credit helpline on 0845 300 3900.  
From a practical viewpoint, childminders can often be more flexible about pick-up and drop-off times. This extra flexibility may mean that you don't have to organise back up care as often and is particularly useful if you work shifts. However, like all childcare arrangements, it is important not to take advantage, otherwise you may find that you have to start your childcare search all over again.  

You may also find that there is a Children Come First childminder network in your area, which I also am a part of, with a co-ordinator who may be able to help you find alternative childcare when your childminder is ill or on holiday. Contact the national childminding association. 
  Childminders increasingly hold qualifications. The Certificate in Childminding Practice (CCP) is in three parts and many local childcare co-ordinators are using the first part of the CCP, the Introduction to Childcare Introducing Childminding Practice, as a compulsory introductory course for registered childminders in their area, which I have taken. 
Finally, most childminders weather they are parents or not due to the training they take will have the basics of baby and child care and who probably has a healthy dose of the parenting instinct as well. 
 
 
 

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