Using a childminder for Wrap Around Care
- A childminder can care for your child before and after school in a home environment
- They will take your child to their school and collect them at the end of the day
- They can look after your child during inset days both full and half days
- They can look after your child during school holidays thus providing continuity of care and stability for your child
What is a childminder?
- Childminders are registered with Ofsted and they and their homes are checked for suitability
- Childminders are working to the national standards
- They will have an up to date paediatric first aid certificate, public liability insurance and their car insured for business use
- Most childminders will have undertaken relevant training such as child protection, behaviour management, equal opportunities and food hygiene
- Many will have additional qualifications such as NVQ 3 in childcare and education and CCP (certificate in childminding practice)
Why should I use a childminder?
- Many children need to be in the home environment at the end of the school day, somewhere where their individual needs can be catered for, where they can concentrate on their homework, research subjects, converse with a known adult or just chill out
- They can have their evening meal at the childminders if you want them to
- If you have more than one child, your children can be looked after in one setting so you only have one point of call for drop off or collection
- No need to worry about the odd inset days or all those school holidays one carer can cover them all
- Most childminders provide a wide range of activities and toys to keep your child stimulated or relaxed during term time and lots of fun activities and outings during the school holidays
- You will know that the individual you choose is the person caring for your child.
How do I find a childminder?
- Call the CIS (children’s information service) 08456 011777 or your local vacancy coordinator who will tell you which childminders in this area offer this service
- Ask questions of the childminder about the care and play opportunities offered for older children.
- Call and then visit the childminders to decide which suits your needs best and that you and your child feel comfortable with.
How to become a Registered Childminder?
If you are going to look after children under eight, to whom you are not related for more than two hours a day for pay or gain then you have to be registered with the local authority.
To start the process you need to call Tami Booth 01372 833869 and book on to a briefing meeting. These are held in the morning, afternoon or evening at locations around Surrey. There are about 12 per term on various days including Saturdays and they are three hours long.
At this meeting you will be given all the paperwork and information needed to start the registration process and meet some of the people who are around to help you.
You will need to have an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check, attend a paediatric first aid course and a 12-hour Introduction to Childcare Practice (ICP) course. These courses are held in a variety of locations and times around the county, you will be given information on how to locate and book on to one.
The ICP course will equip you with the knowledge needed to look after children and ensure their safety both physically and emotionally and to help you to run an effective business.
A childcare inspector from OfSTED will visit you at your home to ensure both you and your premises are suitable for the job. You will also need to supply references and fill out a medical form. Any people in your household or frequently visiting it that are aged over 16 will also have to have a criminal records bureau check.
Most of the costs involved in setting up as a childminder are refundable in the form of a start up grant. This covers the cost of the courses and obtaining the paperwork required and public liability insurance. There is usually some left over for any safety items you may need or equipment and toys to get you started.
If you are only going to care for children over eight, you do not have to be registered. We suggest that you take a first aid course, have a CRB check carried out and get public liability insurance.