Domestic Childminders and Non - Domestic Childminders
On November 1, 2024, the Department for Education introduced important changes to enhance flexibility for childminders in the early years sector. These changes are designed to offer greater choice for childminders and allow them to operate in a wider range of environments.
Domestic Childminder
A domestic childminder provides care for children in their own home or a registered domestic setting.
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Premises: Operates from their own home or a domestic residence that is registered with Ofsted.
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Registration: Must register with Ofsted and comply with domestic childcare regulations.
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Flexibility: There are restrictions on how much time they can work outside their home (previously a 50% limit for non-domestic premises). However, recent changes allow more flexibility to spend time in non-domestic settings.
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Group Size: Typically limited to caring for a small group of children, usually with a set ratio of children per adult.
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Environment: Care is provided in a home-like setting, which can offer a more family-oriented and familiar environment for children.
Non-Domestic Childminder
A non-domestic childminder operates from a location other than their home, such as a commercial property, community center, or other dedicated childcare facilities.
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Premises: Operates from non-domestic settings like commercial buildings, community centers, or office spaces.
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Registration: Must register with Ofsted specifically for non-domestic premises. Ofsted will assess the premises for suitability, safety, and compliance with childcare regulations.
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Flexibility: Offers more flexibility in terms of location and working hours. Can work entirely from non-domestic premises without restrictions on time spent there.
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Group Size: May have the option to work with larger groups of children due to fewer restrictions on the size of the premises.
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Environment: Care is provided in a more formal, structured environment, potentially with access to more specialized resources or larger spaces for children.
Key Differences
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Premises: Domestic childminders work from home; non-domestic childminders use commercial or non-residential spaces.
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Flexibility: Non-domestic childminders have greater flexibility in terms of hours and space usage.
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Regulatory Requirements: Both must register with Ofsted, but non-domestic childminders undergo additional assessments for the suitability of their non-domestic premises.
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Group Size: Non-domestic childminders might have the opportunity to care for larger groups of children, depending on the premises.
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