Home from home
A report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation shows that the number of registered childminders has fallen by nearly 30% from 106,000 in 1992 to 76,000 in 2000. The government says its investing £35 million to recruit and support more childminders but low status and poor pay aren't helping the situation at a time when there's a fall in the number of women with young children who are available to become childminders.
It'll be a tricky one to solve because parents pay a high price for childcare in this country. Many couples pay such a high percentage of their incomes on care for their offspring that it's hardly worth both partners working.
At the moment childminders are the most affordable and flexible option - providing care, play and learning opportunities for children – from babies through to school-age children – in a home setting.
So they're in demand and you’ll need to look around and book well ahead if you want to find a childminder. Your Children's Information Service (CIS) will have an up-to-date list of registered childminders in your area. For details of your local CIS call Childcare Link on 0800 0960296 or see their website. Visit several childminders and pick a time when children are there, so you get a feel for the care being given as well as the facilities on offer.
Childminders are self-employed child carers, based in their own homes, who are registered and inspected by the local authority. Costs vary, but range from about £60 to about £120 per week for a full-time place for one child.
The benefits
- Childminders are registered and inspected by the local authority.
- Childminders are a popular option for babies.
- A child can build a strong relationship with a single carer and a small group of children.
- The child is based in a home.
- Childminders are often more affordable than a full-time nursery.
- Hours are very flexible.
- Children of different ages and siblings can be cared for together.
- Children can stay with the same childminder from babyhood through school age.
- Childminders can be limited in terms of space and scope – especially if they don’t provide for outside activities.
- There are no training requirements for childminders.
- Some older children may feel limited: they may prefer a group setting.
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