DBS-checked, directly employed staff · Home-based care

Childminding in London

Small-group care in a family home, with the same familiar adult every day. For a lot of babies and quieter children, this is a gentler starting point than a busy nursery room.

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Short answer

A childminder is a professional who cares for a small group of children - usually no more than six - in their own home. Earnest Care childminders take children from nine months, follow the same EYFS framework as a nursery, accept funded hours, and often offer more flexible start and finish times.

Childminder or nursery?

Neither is better. They suit different children, and often the same child at different stages - a childminder at one, a nursery at three is a very common and very sensible path.

Childminder or nursery - which suits your child?
	Childminder	Day nursery
Setting	A family home	A purpose-designed setting
Group size	Up to six children, mixed ages	Larger rooms grouped by age
Consistency of adult	The same person every single day	A key person, within a room team
Flexibility of hours	Often more flexible, including early and late	Fixed session times
Cover when they are ill	You need a back-up plan	The setting stays open regardless
Social group	Small, mixed-age, sibling-like	Larger peer group of a similar age
Best for	Babies, anxious children, families wanting a home feel	Children who thrive on stimulation and a large peer group

How our childminders are vetted

Every childminder we work with is registered on the Ofsted Early Years Register in their own right, holds an enhanced DBS certificate, has a current paediatric first aid qualification, carries public liability insurance, and has had their home inspected. We check all of that ourselves rather than taking it on trust, and we re-check annually.

You are always welcome to see the Ofsted certificate and inspection report before you commit. If any provider hesitates when you ask for that, walk away.

What a childminded day looks like

Closer to a family day than a school day. The school run, the park, the library, lunch at the kitchen table, a nap, baking, a trip to the shops. Children learn a great deal from ordinary domestic life done alongside a thoughtful adult - and mixed-age groups give younger children older ones to copy.

Fees and funded hours

From £00 per hour. Our childminders accept all government-funded entitlements and Tax-Free Childcare. Meals are usually included; confirm this individually as arrangements vary.

Other child care services

Day nursery

Full and part-time places from 9 months to school age, following the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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After-school club

Collection from school, a hot tea, homework support and play until you finish work.

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Holiday club

Full-day cover through every school holiday, with trips, sport and creative projects.

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Nanny & babysitting

Vetted, DBS-checked nannies and sitters in your own home, including at short notice.

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SEND support

Inclusive provision with 1:1 support, EHCP experience and close work with your local SEND team.

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Frequently asked questions

Is a childminder cheaper than a nursery?

Often, but not always, and the gap in London is narrower than people expect. Childminders can have lower overheads, but the best ones are in high demand and price accordingly. Compare total monthly cost including meals, and factor in what happens when your childminder is ill or on holiday.

How many children can a childminder look after?

In England a childminder can normally care for up to six children under the age of eight, of whom no more than three may be under five and usually only one under one year old. These limits include the childminder's own children.

Are childminders inspected by Ofsted?

Yes. Registered childminders are inspected by Ofsted in the same way as nurseries, are graded on the same scale, and their reports are published publicly. Always ask to see the certificate and the most recent report.

What happens if my childminder is ill?

This is the main practical drawback of home-based care and you should plan for it. Our childminders are part of a wider Earnest Care network, so we can usually offer alternative cover - but we will never pretend cover is guaranteed at zero notice.

Can I use funded hours with a childminder?

Yes. Childminders can deliver all the government funded entitlements, exactly as a nursery can, including the 30 hours for working parents.

Let's talk about what your family needs

A short, no-pressure conversation is usually all it takes to work out the right kind of support. We will be honest with you if we are not the right fit.

Start an enquiry 07539 535098