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Choosing a registered childminder

 
Registered childminders have to register with Ofsted. This is a legal requirement under the Children Act 1989 and requires childcare providers to meet 14 National Standards for Childminding, which are set out in the Care Standards Act 2000.

Ofsted decides how many children a childminder can be registered to care for. Ofsted regularly inspect childminders to make sure that they continue to meet the strict requirements. Childminders must have suitable public liability insurance.

How can I check if someone is registered?

A childminder's registration certificate should be on display. You should also ask to see their certificate most recent inspection report. You can also confirm that a Greenwich childminder is registered by contacting the Families Information Service.

Close relatives looking after children

People looking after the children of close relatives, including relationships by marriage or civil partnership, do not have to register. However, parents can only claim for assistance with their childcare costs through Working Tax Credits if they use registered childminders.

Download the guide to choosing a registered childminder

For more information on registered childminders, including what you should look out for when choosing one, download the parents guide.

A to Z of Services

Families Information Service

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