Overview
A childminder is a person who receives payment for caring for other families’ children usually in a domestic dwelling, such as their home. They look after at least one child for more than two hours a day.
Childminders can also work from approved non-domestic premises if they choose to do so.
Childminders provide a safe and caring environment where children can play and develop life skills. Childminders frequently build long term relationships with families, caring for younger children and as children get older taking them to and from school and offering services during school holidays.
All childminders registered by Ofsted are trained in first aid, safeguarding, health and safety, child care practice and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
The benefits of using a childminder include:
- flexibility
- small numbers of children
- the ability to provide a home-like environment
Childminders in Hackney
Hackney has a vibrant community of childminders and many children and families benefit from using a local childminder.
Childminders across the borough receive support from the Hackney’s Childminding Team who offer advice, guidance, training opportunities and home visits to new and existing registered childminders.
Our Childminding Coordinators facilitate weekly stay and play groups in local Children and Family Hubs and are available to help parents and professionals to find the right childminder.
Contact your local childminder coordinators
- North Hackney (Woodberry Down, Stoke Newington, Stamford Hill, Upper Clapton)
Mumtaz Hakim - 07768 424 023 - East Hackney (Lower Clapton, Homerton, Hackney Wick, Hackney Downs)
Grace Opon - 07810 856 321 - South Hackney (Dalston, De Beauvoir, Hoxton, Haggerston, Hackney Central)
Hilary Willgress - 07768 348360
Funded childcare options with Childminders
Many childminders offer the free entitlement of 15 hours for children aged 3 to 4 years old. In addition, working parents with children from 9 months to 4 years old may be eligible for the extended entitlement of 30 hours. To check your eligibility for the 30 hours, please visit the Best Start in Life website.
If you have a 2 year old and are receiving certain benefits, you may qualify for 15 hours of free childcare with a childminder. You can check the eligibility criteria for the 15 hours for your 2 year old on childcare pages.
Please call 0208 820 7590 for more information.