Find a registered childminder and what to expect from a childminder.
Find a childminder in your area
Search for childminders on the Bristol FIS Childcare Search.
For advice see our pdf Choosing a Childminder leaflet (888 KB) .
What a childminder does
Registered childminders can look after children of any age. This is usually in the childminder's own home.
They must be registered with Ofsted to look after children under eight years old, if they work for more than two hours a day. They can look after up to six children under the age of eight, although only three of these can be under five.
Childminders usually work from 8am to 6pm, but most are flexible and some may be willing to work weekends and provide overnight care.
Skills of a childminder
Childminders offer different skills, but all should:
- follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (GOV.UK) with the under fives, to provide early education as well as care
- hold a Paediatric First Aid certificate
Many childminders work to the Bristol Standard, a framework which helps providers improve and maintain standards.
All childminders are part of the Bristol Childminding Network and receive advice and support from the childminding support team and lead teachers at children's centres.