Registered childminders

[weebuns]

What are the disadvantages of using a registered childminder as apposed to one not on the register? I don't work 9-5 and work different days each week? I just don't know the rules of a registered childminder. As in would it even be worth their wile looking after a child a couple of days and taking up a space.

You know they're first aid trained have done safeguarding training and they have insurance.

They've been vetted by Ofsted and the CRB.

Their home is risk assessed and should be safe for children to play in.

You know they'll not be looking after more children than they can reasonably care for at once.

It's not illegal to pay a registered childminder to look after your child for more than two hours a day in their home, whereas it IS illegal to pay an unregistered person (not a childminder) to look after your child in their home for more than two hours a day.

Lots of childminders have part time children on their books.

I have all part time children on my books, works better for me and also not such a risk money wise if one leaves.

Unregistered people are illegal and you could be leaving your child with anyone, they also probably don't advertise openly like registered childminders.

I agree with wishiwasonholiday. I work with another registered childminder, have a couple of full-time children but the rest are all part-time. It would help if you knew your work days at least a couple of weeks in advance, that way your childminder can plan around your requirements a bit more.
You should also ask to see your childminder's Ofsted report, their first aid, liability and car insurance if they are going to be taking your little one out in their car.
Your local council and surestart centre should have a list of registered childminders in your area, if not, take a look at childcare.co.uk, you can register there and create a profile saying what you're looking for as well as scan childminders.

Thanks all for your advice! I must look into the child are vouchers too!