Advantages of Childminders

• Children’s individual needs can be met -  Because childminders only care for small groups of children, childminders are ideally placed to give them the individual attention and attachment they need. Caring for mixed age ranges also means brothers and sisters can be cared for together, making life easier for the whole family. And being with others of different ages helps children learn to work and play together.

• Wrap-around care - Childminders are flexible in their hours and can provide care before and after school – including picking up and dropping children off. In the school holidays childminders can care for your older children while you’re at work and will usually offer a host of different activities to keep them occupied.

• Flexibility and choice in hours of care - Children can be cared for on a full or part time basis from babyhood, throughout their pre-school, nursery and school years, and accommodate the varying needs of working parents. From a practical viewpoint, childminders can often be more flexible about pick-up and drop-off times. This extra flexibility may mean that you don't have to organise back-up care as often and is particularly useful if you work shifts. However, like all childcare arrangements, it is important to let your childminder know if you're going to be later picking up your child.

• Family Orientated - Childminders work from their own homes so therefore provide a Home from Home environment. Most Childminders are parents themselves so would have experience with caring and dealing with children. Babies, particularly, benefit from the individual, family type care provided by Childminders. Many parents like this family-friendly interaction, and often what starts out as a childminding arrangement becomes a strong friendship that lasts for years. Taking your child to a childminder can be the next best thing to your own home.

• Continuity of care -  Often, childminders look after children from babyhood through to secondary school, giving them a great sense of security and continuity. Childminding offers parents the opportunity for all of their children to be cared for in the same setting regardless of age, stage and ability. Childminded children are not segregated because of age or stage, and this encourages siblings to bond and so encourages family relationships to fully develop.

• Real life learning - Children looked after by a Childminder enjoy real life experiences like cooking, shopping, gardening, mealtimes etc. From these everyday activities the children can learn basic science, maths, social skills and language skills.

• Training - All childminders are trained to follow the early years foundation stage (EYFS). This provides a structure of learning and care for children from birth to five years old. All childminders must hold an up to date paediatric first aid certificate and must undertake regular training courses.

• Affordability - Childminders can be the most affordable option for parents and as registered provision, are eligible for both vouchers and the childcare element of tax credits
  
   
  

Disadvantages of Childminders

• Individual person - Ensure you are 100% confident in your choice as your little one’s care, well-being and safety depend on this one person. Make sure that you feel comfortable with your choice, trust your instincts and feel free to take along a friend or a partner

• Do what is right for you - When deciding whether to employ a childminder, bear in mind that what you might see as a disadvantage could be an advantage to someone else. So base your decision on what feels right for you and your child.

• Illness & Holidays - There is no assurance of a backup for illness or holidays so please ask beforehand what the policy is on illness or holidays

• Popularity - Excellent minders might be fully booked; since they provide care to a small group of children hence you might have to settle for your second best or another alternative form of care.

• Childminders own children - You may worry that your childminder's children will get more attention than your children. However, good childminders will ensure that the children in their care have the same treatment and attention as their own children. If you're worried about this, you could find a childminder who has older children at school.

• Research - Before making your final decision, DO YOUR RESEARCH, ask around and determine if the advantages outweigh the disadvantages for you and your little one based on your circumstances.