Childminders can offer:

• Individual care, sometimes even one to one, where time can be spent interacting with your child, whether that be having a cuddle and singing nursery rhymes or helping with homework

• Flexible hours, usually earlier or later starts than day nurseries and Out of School Clubs can offer

• Home-based care

• Low adult:child ratios

• Continuity of care, from just a few weeks right through to secondary school

• To meet the individual needs of your baby/child, adapting where possible to the routines of your child

• Social outings to toddler groups and Childminder drop-ins

• Real life learning, in a community environment, with regular trips to the local libraries, shops, parks

• Mixing with children of all ages 

• Siblings can be together after pre-school or school