mailto:andikay1@btinternet.com

Hi my name is Sandra I have been an OFSTED Registered Child minder for 6 years. I work in Maltby, Rotherham, looking after children from 0 to 10 years old. I am fully insured through the National Child minding Association (N.C.M.A.) of which I am a member. I cover Maltby Lilly Hall Junior School and Maltby Redwood Junior and Infant School . At present the children I have go to Maltby Redwood Junior and Infant School. I have a friend who is an OFSTED Registered Child minder and she covers Maltby St Mary's Catholic Primary School, we meet up on a regular basis to allow the children to play and learn together.

I live with my husband who is a driving instructor and 2 adult children, aged 17 and 22, my son is an accountant and daughter works for South Yorkshire police. I have 2 very friendly dogs that all the children adore.

I have a varied range of toys that suit most needs, ages and stages of development. The toys are added to regularly to ensure they meet the needs of the children in my care. My back garden is completely enclosed with access only available through the house.

What's a registered childminder?
A childminder is a professional self-employed carer who works in their own home and has to be registered with the appropriate Government regulatory bodies. They provide your child with care and learning opportunities in a family setting. When registered, a childminder is checked for references, training, police record and health, and their home is inspected to make sure it's a safe and suitable environment for children to learn and play. After registration, a childminder is checked every one to three years to ensure they're continuing to provide a safe and suitable service. All childminders in England and Wales are required to complete a basic registration course, including first aid training. 

Ofsted ensures that every childminder meets the national standards such as:
• ensuring they're suitable to be with children
• checking that they provide a safe, stimulating and caring environment, giving children opportunities for learning and play
• making sure they work in partnership with parents and carers.

Why Choose a Childminder?
• Registered Childminders offer flexible home-based childcare in a family environment rather than the more institutional environment of a nursery.

 
• Childminders and family members aged 16+ are checked by the Criminal Records Bureau.

• Small numbers of children with a childminder means each child can receive the individual care and attention that they need and children can thrive in a small group usually of two or three children - a ratio that nurseries can not hope to achieve.

• Parents have the satisfaction of knowing that both they and their child will be forming a relationship with just one carer. Recent research has shown that children benefit from care in a “family” style environment, where they can bond with a regular caregiver.

• Brothers and Sisters of all ages can be looked after together. Childminders can look after children from babies to teenagers offering an unrivalled continuity of care.

• More flexibility around meal times, sleep times and planned activities. Hours can also be far more flexible than those of a nursery, especially valuable when parents work part-time or unusual hours.

• All childminders are different, and parents can choose the one they find most suitable for themselves and their child. Many parents prefer their children to be in the less institutionalised setting of a childminder's home, rather than a nursery.

• Childminders offer greater flexibility because they work at home. If you have unusual hours, special needs or irregular work patterns, childminders are often the best option. Some childminders are registered to provide overnight care, although this is not a service that I offer at this moment.

• The Families, Children and Child Care study (FCCC) says that Childminders are the next best thing to being at home with Mother. A Registered Childminder has the advantage of being able to offer good quality care for children in a secure, loving, home environment.

Dr Penelope Leach, the NCMA president says:

"I believe that for babies and toddlers, childminding alone is probably the best kind of daycare we’ve yet dreamed up. It does potentially better for children, families and for society." 

Usefull child care links

A registered childminder - a professional carer who works in their own home - can provide your child with care and learning opportunities in a family setting. Find out what qualifications your childminder should have and how much you should expect to pay.

NCMA 

National Childminding Association of England and Wales: Promoting quality home based childcare for the benefit of children, families and communities.

SureStart Childcare link

For National and Local Childcare information

Directgov

The one-stop parenting shop. Information and guidance for parents on everything from maternity leave to immunisation.