Ofsted make checks to ensure that the Childminder:
- Has undertaken the required training and has relevant experience
This includes for all new childminders the Introduction to Childminding Practice. A qualification from CACHE and the NCMA.
A 12 hour First Aid - Has a clean Criminal Records Bureau Check (enhanced)
- Is mentally and physically fit to care for children
- Understands and is able to meet the
14 National Standards
Inspectors will verify identification and ensure checks are also carried out on any members of the household who are 16 years and over. They will also take up references and checks with local Social Services Officers/Health Visitors if applicable.
For further information on Criminal Record Bureau re Childminders
Download CRB Clearances
or see www.crb.org.uk
This Standard also covers the employment of an assistant and explains the checks the Childminder must undertake before employing them.
If Ofsted has previously disqualified a childcare worker they may apply for consent
to waive disqualification.
For further details see the Ofsted Website:
This unit mainly covers the Childminder: child ratios.
The maximum numbers of children for whom a Childminder may care are as follows:
- 6 Children under 8 years of age
- Of these 6, no more than 3 children may be aged under 5 years of age
- And of these 3, normally no more than 1 child may be under 1. However, a Childminder may be Registered to care for 2 children under 1, where they can demonstrate that they can meet and reconcile the varying needs of all the children being cared for.
- Exceptions for thee ratios can be made for siblings and to provide continuity of care in certain circumstances approved by Ofsted
- Any care provided for children aged 8-
14 is not allowed to adversely affect the care provided for children under 8
Occasionally Ofsted will make a variance to a Childminder’s Registered numbers.
Download What is a variance?
This standard also provides further guidance on employing an assistant.
Childminding assistants who have been checked may, in some circumstances, be left in sole charge of minded children. This must be following discussion with an Ofsted inspector and supported by a written agreement between Registered childminders and parents.
Download Parental Permission Form
Download Childminder Ratio Grid
Download Assistant Checklist
National Standard 1 Suitable Person
This standard focuses on Ofsteds decision as to
whether the Childminder is suitable to look after children and can provide quality
care.
National Standard 2 Organisation
This standard focuses on how the Childminder meets
the needs of the children through allocation of space and recources, allowing the
children to play and learn.
MINIMUM WAGE
If a Childminder employs an assistant they must pay them the minimum wage
The National Minimum Wage will increase again in October 2008
The minimum wage is
a legal right which covers almost all workers above compulsory school leaving age.
There are three levels of minimum wage,
The rates from 1st October 2007 are:
£5.52 per hour for workers aged 22 years and older
A development rate of £4.60 per hour for workers aged 18-
£3.40 per hour for all workers under the age of 18, who are no longer of compulsory school age.
From October 2008 they rise to
£5.73 per hour for workers aged 22 years and older
The hourly rate for 18 to 21-
The statutory wage for 16 and 17-