Babysitter/Childminder advice and recommendations in Richmond/Twickenham

[sophiehfox]

I would love some advice or recommendations on childcare options. I am freelance and need to find someone to look after my 8 month old for the odd ad hoc day, until my work becomes more regular etc.

I'm new to the area, so would really appreciate some recommendations, as I don't trust childcare.com (no one seems to be DBS checked?!).

TIA

Childcare.co.uk has a voluntary upload of documents but as we have no control over the storage a lot of registered childcare are not keen to upload information that could potentially be used unnecciceraly . .if a member is registered you can ask to see their ofsted registration when you meet them....if they are registered they will be suitability checked by Ofsted in the same way a school or nursery are so you dont need to see a DBS the same as if you went to nursery or a school you dont see the staff DBS.....all household members are also checked.
If you use someone just by recommendation you have the same issue....they should be registered by ofsted if they are not they wont be suitable no matter what recommendation they come with as they are happy to break the law and safeguarding requirements including not being insured to care for your child. It is always your job to check for registration.
A baby sitter is not a childminder and can be anybody but they use your home otherwise they are doing illegal childcare if over 2 hours....and wont have insurance. May have no training including first aid.