Childminding
In the United States and Canada a childminder is referred to as a Daycare Provider, similar to a Nursery. In the United Kingdom, a childminder provides childcare for a small number of children from different families in the childminder's own home. A nanny provides care for the children of a single family in the children's home.
A childminder is the owner/operator of a small business, a nanny is an employee.
Although OFSTED define a childminder as someone who "provide care for children under eighteen years of age, for more than two hours each day, on domestic premises, for reward" there are a number of legal regulations that are applied to childminders which do not cover nannies.
All childminders in England are legally required to register with OFSTED on the Early Years register (if providing care for children under the age of five), and the Compulsory part of the General Childcare Register (if providing care for children aged between five and eight years old). Childminders do not have to be registered if they are only providing care for children over the age of eight.
Childminders registered with OFSTED are required to make a copy of their inspection report available on request. All inspection reports are available via the Ofsted website (in the case of childminders, names and addresses are removed).
Childminders in Wales are required to register with the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW). The registrations requirements are nearly identical to those in England.
Childminders in Scotland are required to register with the Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (SCSWIS)
In Northern Ireland, the Health & Social Services Trusts are the relevant authority for the Inspection and Regulation of Childminders.
It is an offence to work as an unregistered childminder in the United Kingdom.
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