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All childminders are required by
law to register and are only allowed to look after a maximum of
six children under eight, of whom no more than three can be under
five years and one under 12 months, including their own. If the
childminder already has six children or is registered for fewer
he/she will not be able to take on your child. Childminders are
visited regularly and inspected annually by Under Eights Advisors
employed by Social Services. It is recommended that parents ask
to see the most recent annual report. Childminders are encouraged
to provide a good standard of care, which includes taking your child
out, providing food, rest and activities to meet the needs of each
of the children they look after. All childminders are asked by Social
Services not to smoke over the children. The statement smoking household
merely indicates if there is a smoker living there, the smoker may
not be around during the day when the children are there. Any childminder
with a dog or cat are advised never to leave the children alone
even for a short time with the animal. You must discuss with the
childminder any special needs your child has including dietary and
cultural needs. Pay, hours and holidays should all be negotiated
in advance so as to avoid any misunderstandings later.
1. Be sure the person who has the
responsibility for the day care of your child(ren) under eight years
of age is registered with the Social Services Department (Certificate
should be displayed); failure to do so renders him/her liable to
prosecution.
2. It is also important to check
that the childminder is insured.
3. Social Services staff have a
duty to visit and satisfy themselves that the child(ren) in the
minders care are making satisfactory progress.
4. It is advisable to complete a
contract with your Childminder. This should include rates of pay,
hours, holiday payment, as well as the child's needs i.e., diet,
health and special needs. The Under Eights Section have a supply
of these contracts should the Childminder require them.
5. The Childminder has a duty to
keep a register detailing full particulars of any child in their
care, i.e., name, date of birth, address/place of parent/carers
employment, telephone number/doctors name and address etc.
6. It is important to notify the
Childminder if you are going to be late collecting your Child(ren)
or have to change your arrangements (giving prior notice if possible).
7. It is important to give the Childminder
prior notice of impending holidays.
8. It is advisable for your child(ren)
to attend the local health centre regularly, if you are unable to
accompany your child, the Childminder may do so, with your permission.
9. Childminders are expected to
take children our daily if possible, to nearby parks or shops, so
warm water proof clothing will be required.
10. It is advisable for the Childminder
to have a complete change of clothing for your child (extra nappies
for babies).
11. A Childminder is not required
to take a sick child. When in doubt the child's own doctor should
be consulted and a note obtained.
12. Please ensure that you contact
the Childminder/s whom you have interviewed but have chosen not
to use. It is also important to notify the Childminder if you are
not going to attend a prearranged appointment/interview.
13. Caring for your child is a full
time and worthwhile job, help your Childminder to help your child.
For further guidance or advice contact
the Under Eights Section. UNDER EIGHTS SECTION, ROYAL BOROUGH OF
KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA, TOWN HALL, HORNTON STREET, W8 7NX. TEL:
020 7361 3302
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