Childminder in the UK
Childminders in England must be registered with Ofsted, inspected, and are listed publicly with their reports — the equivalent regulators are Care Inspectorate Wales, the Care Inspectorate in Scotland and the Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland.
Enter your Postcode to find nearby availability
We use your Postcode to match you with available childminder providers nearest to you. Because both you and the provider have Postcodes, results are ranked by true local distance.
New customers get £10 credit to discount hourly services · T&Cs apply
About childminder services
Ratios are set in the EYFS framework. A childminder offers a home setting with fewer children and often more flexibility than a nursery, and registered provision qualifies for funded hours and Tax-Free Childcare.
How much do childminder services cost?
Indicative guide, per hour — not a quote. Enter your Postcode for real prices from local pros.
Low
£8
Typical
£12
High
£18
What affects the price: The cost of childminding services can vary based on factors such as the number of children, the childminder's qualifications, and the complexity of care required. Additional elements like location and the duration of care can also influence pricing.
What you get on Locufy
- Free, no-obligation quotes from local childminder providers
- Local professionals matched by real distance
- Flexible scheduling — including evenings and weekends where offered
- Transparent pricing and clear communication before you commit
What to provide
- Emergency contact information and medical details of the child.
- A list of daily routines and preferences for meals and activities.
- Access to the home or designated childcare area, ensuring safety.
- Any specific toys, games, or educational materials the child enjoys.
Common childminder jobs
Some of the childminder jobs local pros on Locufy take on.
Full-Time Childminder
Provides consistent care for children, including meals, activities, and supervision throughout the day.
Part-Time Childminder
Offers flexible care options for families needing childcare during specific hours or days.
Special Needs Childminder
Caters to children with special requirements, providing tailored support and activities.
Emergency Childminder
Available for short notice care, helping parents in unexpected situations.
Night Childminder
Cares for children overnight, ensuring safety and comfort while parents are away.
Drop-In Childminder
Provides occasional care for short periods, ideal for parents needing temporary assistance.
What's involved in childminder
- 1Initial consultation to discuss childcare needs and preferences.
- 2Background checks and verification of qualifications.
- 3Creating a tailored care plan that includes activities and routines.
- 4Regular communication with parents regarding the child's progress and needs.
- 5Ongoing assessment and adaptation of care strategies as required.
Good to know
- Look for childminders with relevant qualifications, such as childcare diplomas or first aid certifications.
- Safety standards should be a priority; ensure the childminder's home is child-proofed and secure.
- Consider the childminder's experience with children of similar ages and needs.
- Discuss the childminder's approach to discipline, learning activities, and communication with parents.
- Timing can vary; some childminders may require notice for scheduling, especially for part-time or emergency care.
What childminder includes
Daily Childcare
Childminders provide daily care for children, ensuring their safety and well-being while parents are at work. This includes activities such as meals, playtime, and educational games tailored to the child's age.
School Pick-Up and Drop-Off
Many childminders offer school pick-up and drop-off services, allowing parents to manage their schedules more effectively. This service ensures that children are safely transported to and from school.
Flexible Scheduling
Childminders often provide flexible hours, accommodating parents who may need early morning or late evening care. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for shift workers or those with unpredictable schedules.
Social and Developmental Activities
Childminders engage children in social interactions and developmental activities, which are crucial for their growth. This can include outings to parks, playgroups, and structured learning activities.
How to book childminder on Locufy
Enter your Postcode
Tell us where you need childminder — your Postcode pinpoints providers who genuinely cover your area.
Compare local pros
See available childminder providers near you with ratings, reviews and clear pricing — no endless phone calls.
Book with confidence
Choose your provider and arrange the job. Badges and real reviews mean no nasty surprises.
Why book childminder on Locufy
Verified local pros
Providers can earn verification badges so you can book with confidence.
Truly local results
Matched by real distance using your Postcode — not a rough area guess.
Real reviews
Genuine ratings from customers who actually used the service.
Childminder — frequently asked questions
What factors influence the cost of hiring a childminder?
The cost of hiring a childminder can vary based on location, experience, and the specific services offered. Additional factors include the number of children being cared for and the hours required.
How long can I book a childminder for?
Childminders can be booked for varying durations, from a few hours to full days, depending on your needs. It's advisable to discuss your requirements upfront to ensure they can accommodate your schedule.
Do I need a qualified specialist childminder?
While many childminders are general caregivers, it can be beneficial to choose one with specialized training in child development or first aid. This is especially important if your child has specific needs.
Can I find a childminder for emergency or same-day care?
Some childminders may offer emergency or same-day availability, but this can depend on their current commitments. It's best to contact them directly to inquire about their availability for short notice.
Is it possible to book multiple related jobs with a childminder?
Yes, many childminders can accommodate multiple related jobs, such as regular childcare along with school pick-up and drop-off services. Discussing your needs with the childminder can help tailor a package that suits you.
What services are typically out of scope for childminders?
Childminders generally focus on childcare and may not provide services like housekeeping or tutoring. It's important to clarify what is included in their service agreement to avoid misunderstandings.
How do I find childminder near me?
Enter your Postcode above. Locufy matches you with childminder providers who cover your exact area, ranked by true local distance rather than a rough town or county guess.
Is it free to get childminder quotes on Locufy?
Yes — searching and requesting quotes from local childminder providers carries no subscription fees for customers. You only pay for the work you agree to.
How much does childminder cost?
See our researched childminder price guide — typical costs, what affects the price, and how to save.