Childminders

Registered childminders look after your child along with other children in their own, or someone else's home. This cannot normally be the home of any of the children for whom the childminder is providing care. Childminders are allowed to care for up to six children under the age of eight, including their own.

Most childminders offer care throughout the year, and will sometimes be able to provide care over public holidays. Some are prepared to drop children off at school or pre-school and pick them up later, some childminders can work flexible hours including evenings and weekends. They might also be able to look after siblings.

Childminders are self-employed so they decide their working hours and fees and there is no national rate. The childminder will discuss these matters with you, and draw up a contract of the service they have agreed to provide.

Regulation

Childminders are registered and inspected by OFSTED and have to meet certain standards. All childminders and all members of the childminder’s household over the age of sixteen must have received a satisfactory police check - the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Disclosure - before becoming registered. All registered childminders must also attend a training course before they begin caring for children as well as undertaking first aid training.

Childminders hold further childcare qualifications or are working towards them. You can ask to see a childminder's registration certificate and latest inspection report. It is illegal for an unregistered person to look after children aged under eight for reward - do not use an unregistered childminder. Informal agreements between families and friends are acceptable as long there is no 'reward' exchanged.

Choosing a childminder

There are many things that you need to consider when selecting a childminder. Please see the choosing a childminder leaflet [PDF] (file size 585Kb), which covers topics such as:

  • what is a registered childminder?
  • why choose a childminder ?
  • how can I choose the right childminder?
  • questions to ask a childminder
  • what is expected of you

You can obtain a printed copy of this leaflet from the Family Information Service.

Childminder Lists - North and South

The Family Information Service (FIS) has lists of childminders who have vacancies. You may access the lists by contacting 0207 361 3302, email fis@rbkc.gov.uk or alternatively, lists are now available to download below:

The lists are divided into north and south of the borough, where the dividing line is High Street Kensington.

Childminder map and webpages

Click the links below to access the PDF map of childminder locations. If you would like to see an interactive map with clickable links - please ask for a FIS CD.

We are currently working with the childminders in the borough to create their own webpages.  You will find details of the services each childminder offers, pictures and certificates. Please note that this is work in progress and not all childminders will have their own pages. 

If you are an OFSTED registered childminder and would like to advertise through the Family Information Service, please email fis@rbkc.gov.uk or call 0207 361 4319 for more details.