We refer all requests for advice about Child Minding to the Northamptonshire Childminding Association.
Northamptonshire Childminding Association (NCA) promotes and supports prospective and registered childminders in Northamptonshire. Much of the content on this site is therefore aimed at them and the parents using them. However we also welcome visitors to this site from other parts of the country and there is lots of useful information for you to use wherever you are based.
NCA is a registered charity and was formed in 1991 by a group of working childminders. Our charity number is 1047565.
The association is managed by a voluntary management committee of practising childminders and employs a team of 10 staff. As well as managing the recruitment and support of registered childminders within the county, we also manage the Northamptonshire Childminding Network.
NCA is a Quality Partner member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and we work closely with our colleagues from NCMA in order to keep local childminders informed of national news and initiatives.
Our contact details are as follows:
Northamptonshire Childminding Association
PO Box 7114
Kettering
Northants
NN16 6BG
Email:
Telephone: 0845 838 3724 - this phone line is covered between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday
Choosing the right childminder for you
It is really important that you and your child are happy with the childminder that you choose. We therefore recommend that you:
- Check that the childminder is registered with Ofsted. You can check this by asking to see their Ofsted registration certificate. You can also check that a childminder is registered by contacting the Families Information Service.
- You should always visit a childminder at their home before entering into any agreement with them. If possible, try to visit 2 or 3 different childminding settings.
- Ask to see the childminder's Public liability Insurance, First Aid and other training certificates. Never be afraid to ask to see these important documents.
- A good childminder will also have a parent's prospectus available for you to look through, telling you about the service they provide.
What you should ask
Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions. For example you will want to know:
- What toys/activities are readily available?
- Will the childminder take your child out and about to the park or to groups?
- Are snacks or meals provided?
- Can the childminder offer childcare at the times to suit you?
- What fees does the childminder charge?
- Are these inclusive of meals/snacks?
- Will you be expected to pay the childminder for the place if your child is ill or on holiday?
- What arrangements could be made if the childminder is ill or takes a holiday?