Questions to ask a childminder

Registered childminders look after your child along with other children, usually in their own home.

They are self-employed so decide on their own hours, most are willing to work early mornings, evenings and weekends as well as part time.

All registered childminders are required to undertake a basic training course, including first aid, and most go on to do further training and development.

Questions to ask a childminder

  • How long have you been childminding?
  • What qualifications do you have?
  • Can I see your registration certificates?
  • What other children will be with my child and how old are they?
  • Do you have any references I can follow up?
  • Have you joined a quality assurance scheme?
  • Are there any additional charges (sickness, holiday etc)?
  • Can I see the rooms my child will access?
  • How do you work in partnership with other professionals?
  • Do you use a contract?
  • Can I meet other members of your family?
  • Can you talk me through a typical day/week?
  • What records do you keep on my child?
  • How will you make sure I know how my child is getting on?
  • Do you go out on trips? If so, is there an additional charge?
  • Are there safety processes in place for example consent forms, risk assessment, transport?
  • What is your procedure for settling a child in?
  • Are there suitable sleeping arrangements?
  • Do you belong to a childminder network?
  • Do you drop off or collect from other provisions such as pre-school or school?

Always trust your own feelings about your childcare - you know your child best.

To find out more about childminders in Wirral please contact the Family Information Service: