Childminders

Childminders usually look after children in the childminder's own home. Most will work early mornings, evenings and weekends - and in the holidays.

In England, childminders are registered with Ofsted; Registration means ensuring childminders attain a certain level of skills, knowledge and competency to fulfil their many roles. 

All childminders must carry public liability insurance and class 1 business insurance to drive with childminded children in their cars. They must have completed an inductory training course and update pediatric first aid training every 3 years. All childminders in England must comply with the requirements of the EYFS 2012 and Childcare Register 2012, local planning, fire and food hygiene laws, health and safety legislation and the Equality Act 2010.

All childminders are regularly monitored by Ofsted - and often by their Local Authority - and must, by law, inform parents about how they can make a complaint against them.

Some of the responsibilities of a childminder include Business Administration - much of a childminders free time is taken up with ensuring ongoing records such as attendance registers, learning records, accounts, policies and procedures and risk assessments, ensuring all are maintained and regularly updated.

Other responsibilities are more obvious; Health and Safety, high quality child care and learning, the provision of balanced nutrition and safeguarding - all childminders ensure children's needs are fully met. 

Childcare Checklists

There are so many things to think about and remember when you visit a childcare provider - the right questions to ask, things to look out for - whilst at the same time gaining an overall impression of the setting.

It's a good idea to have a think about the things you may want to know and the questions you may want to ask when you go to visit a provider. By going prepared it will help you remember some of the key things you want to find out in order to decide whether they will be suitable for you and your child. 

Use these questions as a guide. You will know yourself when a childcare setting feels right. Your child's behaviour will also give you a good indication of how they feel in the setting. 

We would always recommend you visit as many providers as you can so you can get a feel for the day-to-day routine of different settings. This will also help you to compare some of the things you like or dislike in a childcare provider. Visit when it is in full flow and, if possible, make a return visit so you can see the setting at different times during the day and week. 

Becoming a Hartlepool Childminder

If you would like further information about becoming a childminder in Hartlepool please contact

Kim Rowntree
Free Nursery Entitlement Officer
Hartlepool Borough Council
Civic Centre 
Victoria Road
Hartlepool
TS24 8AY

Direct Line: 01429 284881

Free Home Fire Safety Check for Childminders

Cleveland Fire Brigade provide advice and support on Fire Safety in the home. Operational crews also carry out home fire safety visits, which are completely free and you may be eligible for a free smoke alarm. They even bring along their Fire Engine so if you have small children, this could be a fun way to educate them about the risks associated with fires.

The visits focus on three key areas:

1. Identify and be aware of the potential fire risks within your home

2. Know what to do in order to reduce or prevent these risks

3. Put together an escape plan in case a fire does break out and ensure you have working smoke alarms. 

If you would like more information or would like to request that Cleveland Fire Brigade attend your home to complete a Free Fire Safety Check then please complete the form below (follow link) and return it to the Freepost address below:

Community Safety, Cleveland Fire Brigade, FREEPOST, NEA 10842, Hartlepool, TS25 5BR

Telephone: 01429 872311

Please note this entry has not been updated by the provider.  As such we advise you contact them prior to accessing any groups or services to ensure they are still available.