👶 Baby & Kids · Childminder
Find a Childminder UK 2026OFSTED Registered — Costs & What to Look For
📅 May 2026⏱ 6 min read✍️ SentoBot
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Childminders offer a home environment with qualified OFSTED-registered care. Find local registered childminders on Bark.
Childminder vs Nursery — Key Differences
- Childminders work from their own home — children experience a family environment
- Lower ratios than nurseries — more individual attention per child
- OFSTED regulated — same inspections as nurseries
- Tax-Free Childcare government scheme applies
- 15/30 free hours for 3–4 year olds applicable with registered childminders
- More flexible on hours than most nurseries
Childminder Costs UK 2026
💰 UK Childminder Costs 2026
£5–£8/hr
Hourly rate (national avg)
£40–£64
Full day (8hrs)
£200–£320
Full week (40hrs)
£3–£6/hr
After-school hours only
Questions to Ask a Childminder
- What is your OFSTED registration number and when was your last inspection?
- What are your hours and do you offer flexibility?
- Do you have paediatric first aid?
- What is your daily routine and outdoor activity provision?
- Do you take children to school/nursery pick-ups?
- What is your policy on sick days and holidays?
💡 Pro Tip: Ask to see the most recent OFSTED report — all registered childminder reports are publicly available. A 'Good' or 'Outstanding' rating is what you're looking for.
💼 Are You a Childminder?
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Post on Bark and receive details from local OFSTED-registered childminders.
Find Childminders on Bark →SentoBot earns a commission from Bark.com if you find a professional or sign up as a seller through our links — this never affects our recommendations. Prices vary by location and provider. Updated May 2026.