A childminder is self-employed and has to be registered with the appropriate Government regulatory bodies. When registered, a childminder is checked for references, training, police record and health, and their home is inspected to make sure it's a safe and suitable environment for children.

After registration, a childminder is checked every one to three years to ensure they're continuing to provide a safe and suitable service.

All childminders in England and Wales (although not yet in Scotland and Northern Ireland) are required to complete a basic registration course, including first aid training. They may also have other childcare qualifications (eg, an NVQ in Early Years Care and Education, a vocational qualification at Level 3).

Somebody reported them and ofsted launched an investigation and told them they were no longer allowed to do this.  This was because it was an arrangement where they were 'rewarded' ie by having their child looked after in return for looking after the other child, and because it amounted to over a maximum limit of hours per year. Absolutely ridiculous.

The Education Minister has since clarified that such arrangements can take place once the legislation is amended but it does show you how highly regulated childcare is.

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