Why choose a childminder?

Every childminding setting is unique to meet the needs of children and their families:

• children can learn and play with other ages – providing opportunities to enhance early learning, confidence and social development
• childminders can also take your child to nursery or school as part of the daily routine.
• it can be particularly helpful in supporting children with additional support needs or children who may struggle in a larger setting
• it provides strong continuity of care and follows the eight Wellbeing Indicators for childcare and schools in Scotland
• it is flexible and can be blended with other forms of childcare (i.e. nursery) to provide ‘wrap-around’ childcare

Did you know that you can choose a childminder to deliver your funded entitlement of Early Learning and Childcare (ELC)?

All three and four-year-olds, and eligible two year-olds are entitled to 1140 hours of funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) per year. For further information visit our ELC page.

When choosing a childminder, here's a few things to ask:

Are they registered?

Ensure your childminder is registered with the Care Inspectorate and has valid Public Liability Insurance. Ask to see their registration certificate and details of their insurance policy. If you think someone may be running an unregistered childminding service, contact the Care Inspectorate.

Will my children be safe and secure with a childminder?

Childminders must be registered before they begin to work with children. The registration process is wide-ranging and rigorous involving references, enrolment on the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme and health checks. A Disclosure Scotland check must also be carried out on any other adult in the household. The childminder's home is also inspected to ensure it is a safe and suitable environment for children.

Inspections are carried out regularly by the Care Inspectorate to make sure the childminder is continuing to provide a safe and suitable service. You should ask to see a childminder’s latest inspection report, which is also available online at careinspectorate.com. 

Completed training and learning?

Have you asked about their SCMA Learning Log and Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) record? Childminders are obligated to take responsibility for their own learning and professional development; maintaining and improving their knowledge and skills.

Can I read their policies and procedures?

Before signing the contract, ask for a copy of the childminder's policies and procedures. These should be read carefully as they let you know how the childminder deals with risk assessments, child protection issues, discipline, infection control and other important practices. Have you checked their inspection report from the Care Inspectorate?

Arranging a settling in period

All good childminders will offer a settling in period. This time allows you and your child to meet the childminder and find out how comfortable everyone is in the setting. At this point you can also discuss and iron out any issues with the childminder before the contract comes into effect.

Are you happy with the contract?

Childminders are self-employed and they decide on their working hours, fees and the terms of their service - these will be outlined in a contract. They are not 'employed' by parents, and will negotiate a contract for their service for which they charge a fee. Parents should always carefully read the contract fully before signing and keep your copy of the agreement safe. Contracts are legally binding, so if you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask the childminder. The signed contract means you are both agree and are fully aware of the terms of the service.

How can I find a childminder?

Use our ‘Childminder Search’ function above to search for SCMA childminders in your local area. Choosing childcare and early education is a big step for you and your child. Aim to give yourself enough time to speak and visit several settings in your area to get a good idea of what could suit your child. 

Don’t forget you are the expert on your child, and you should trust your feelings. It can be a good idea to take your child with you to see how they get on with the childminder and go when other children are there so you can see if they appear settled, happy and busy.

Please note: All childminder profiles published on this website are the responsibility of each individual respective childminder. SCMA cannot be held responsible for incorrect or misleading information. SCMA reserves the right to refuse any Childminder Search Service profile from this website. Childminders operating services in Scotland must be registered with the Care Inspectorate. To verify the status of a childminder in Scotland, visit the Care Inspectorate website at careinspectorate.com.