Childminders are usually registered to look after up to three children under 5 and 3 children aged 5 to 8, including their own children.  They may also look after children up to the age of 14.

By law all childminders must:
 

• Be registered by the Care and Social Services Inspectorate for Wales (CSSIW)
• Have their home inspected regularly to make sure it is safe and suitable for young children
• Be insured in case a child they are looking after has an accident or damages someone else’s property;
• Have first aid-training which covers giving first aid to babies and young children and
• Have a police check carried out, as must everyone else aged over 16 who lives or works in the childminder’s home.

Ideal if:
 

• You need flexible care because of irregular working hours or shifts which do not fit in with a normal 8.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. nursery day.  Some childminders will provide overnight care.
• You want a home environment where your child can easily form a one-to-one relationship with the carer and mix with children of different ages.
• You have children of different ages and want them to be cared for together.
• You want childcare that offers continuity: childminders can care for any age child, and will often-collect children from school.