Find childcare: childminders

Childminders must register with Ofsted (see more information below). They are inspected by Ofsted to ensure they provide a safe and stimulating environment for the children they care for.

A childminder can look after 6 children under 8 years old, 3 of which can be under 5 and 1 of which can be under 1, at any one time (permission can be granted for twins) for more than two hours a day.

Childminders must have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for every person over 16 years of age living or staying in their home. They are required to follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for all children, from birth to the term following their 5th birthday.
 

Find a local childminder

You can find childminders on our West Berkshire Directory.
 

Should my chosen childminder be registered with Ofsted?

It's important to find quality care for your child and to understand the difference between registered and unregistered childminders.

Anyone who looks after one or more children under the age of 8, to whom they are not related, on domestic premises, for reward and for more than two hours in any day must register as a childminder.

There are some exemptions, where a provider may not need to be registered - you can find more information about childminder registration on the GOV.UK website.

You may be entitled to help with childcare costs.

You can find help and advice for choosing the right childcare for you on the Childcare choices website and useful guides from Coram Family and Childcare.