CM says she's ofsted registered, but can't find her on childcare link - should I be worried?

[fondant4000]

Hi,

I'm trying to find a childminder. She has to be OFSTED registered or work won't pay towards childcare costs.

A registered CM has recommended someone to me, but when I look for her name on childcare link I can't find her!

Could she be OFSTED registered and not be on childcare link? I get the impression that she only wants to do the odd bit of childminding - which suits me fine. Could that be a reason why she's not on the list? Says she has been a CM for over 20 years. Any advice appreciated! Due to make home visit next week.

Names don't work for privacy reasons you need her OFSTED reg number.

Fondant any Cm worth her salt will have her OFSTED registration on hand to show you & not be bothered if you ask for it.

Accepted practice & if she doesn't have it you have the choice to trust your instincts if you like the CM but lose your vouchers or go with the registered ones.

Thanks for the advice.

The OFSTED site is number only, but the childcare link site is names and she's not there.

I'm a bit paranoid as I've been let down in the recent past! I guess the best thing is to follow your advice bossybritches and ask for the number when I'm there - I'll need to know asap for work anyway, so there's no point in being shy about it!

BTW - she says she is OFSTED registered - I asked her over the phone, so I guess it's just a case of following it up.

I'm new to all this, so any advice is appreciated!

Hi there. ALL childminders are listed with the local council, childcarelink website gives details from the local council but ONLY if the childminder wants to be on the web.

Best thing to do is call the number of your local Early Years Team (council) - number will be on childcarelink, and ask them if she's listed. If not then yes, I'd be worried.

I'm a childminder btw

Sorry, misunderstood. They can choose not to be on Childcare link so they don't get lots of unsolicited calls. Get her number and check OFSTED. She will be used to people asking if she really is as experienced as she says.

You can choose not to go on CIS - because some C/Mers feel that with their name & general area on-line they could be targetted by wierdos

I think that if you are running a business you need to be able to be found.

If you can find her postcode - pop it into the OFSTED site - You should be able to tell if it is her or not

Please do not consider an unregistered childminder there are tonnes of reasons not to use one

Thanks, the info about childcare link is reassuring. I guess she may not be on there as she seems to be not very actively looking for mindees - I was recommended to her by a friend (a registered CM).

I'll def ask her for her number when I visit. Don't worry Katymac - no way would I consider an unregistered CM. Apart from not getting anything towards the costs from work I'd be too worried about health and safety .

When you visit, ask to see the childminder's registration certificate - it may be on display somewhere (back of the front door perhaps).

If you are going to part-pay using childcare vouchers or tax credits, then take along any paperwork you have for that, so that your childminder can complete any section they need to complete.

I'm an Ofsted approved childcarer, I am not listed on ChildcareLink - even though I want to be listed on there. Due to 'contractual issues' (so Opportunity Links, who run ChildcareLink says) I can't be listed!

Her registration certificate should always be displayed. She just may not want to be advertised on childcare link for the reasons already stated.