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Childminder

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Childminder

Contents

What childminders do
Childminding environments
Learning and early development
Support for SEND
Safeguarding and standards
Working with families and local authorities
Related guidance

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What childminders do

Childminders provide home-based childcare for babies, toddlers and young children in a small, family-style environment.

They offer flexible routines, personalised attention and responsive care that adapts to each child’s needs, interests and developmental stage.

Childminders follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and deliver early learning alongside daily care, play and social interaction.

Related guidance

  • Childcare
  • Nursery
  • SEN Support
  • Early Years SEND
  • Therapists and Specialists
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    Childminding environments

    Childminders care for children in their own homes, offering:

    • small group settings with close supervision
    • calm, nurturing routines
    • access to toys, books, outdoor play and creative resources
    • mixed-age social interaction
    • flexibility for drop-offs, pickups and varied schedules

    Home-based environments allow children to build secure attachments and develop confidence through consistent, familiar care.

    Learning and early development

    Childminders support early learning by:

    • engaging children in play-based activities
    • encouraging early speech, listening and communication
    • supporting fine and gross motor development
    • introducing early literacy and numeracy concepts
    • promoting independence and self-care routines
    • facilitating social skills and cooperative play
    Learning is personalised, informal and woven into everyday experiences.

    Support for SEND

    Childminders include children with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities. Support can include:

    • adapting activities or routines
    • creating sensory-friendly spaces
    • using visual schedules or communication aids
    • following therapy plans from SLTs, OTs or other practitioners
    • providing one-to-one attention when needed
    • liaising with early years SEN teams

     

    Where appropriate, childminders can help families access:

    • Early Years SENCO support
    • local authority inclusion funding
    • early assessments or referrals
    • EHCP processes

    Safeguarding and standards

    All registered childminders must:

    • meet Ofsted standards and EYFS statutory requirements
    • hold an enhanced DBS check
    • complete paediatric first aid training
    • follow safeguarding and child protection procedures
    • maintain safe, hygienic home environments
    • keep records on learning and development
    • participate in regular inspection and professional development

    Childminders are legally accountable for children’s safety and welfare.

    Working with families and local authorities

    Childminders work closely with parents to share:

    • daily updates
    • routines and wellbeing information
    • developmental observations
    • early years progress reports

    They may also work with:

    • health visitors
    • SEND inclusion teams
    • early years advisers
    • social care (where relevant)
    • speech and language therapists

    Childminders can offer government-funded places for 2-, 3- and 4-year-olds, depending on eligibility and local funding rules.

    Find childminders

    Call 999 or go to A&E if someone is at immediate risk of harm.

    If urgent but not life-threatening, contact:

    • NHS 111

    • Your GP for an urgent appointment

    • A mental health crisis line (varies by area)

    Discover home-based childcare providers experienced in supporting early learning and SEND.

    Search for registered childminders and early years specialists