Do I have to pay fees when my child is sick and cannot attend?

In most childminder contracts, yes. The standard practice is that fees are payable for all booked sessions, regardless of whether the child attends. This is because the childminder has reserved the place for your child and cannot fill it at short notice. However, if the childminder is unable to provide care (e.g. because they are ill or on holiday), you should not be charged. Always check the specific terms in your contract.

Does my childminder need to be Ofsted registered?

In England, any person who looks after children under the age of eight for more than two hours a day in their own home must be registered with Ofsted under the Childcare Act 2006. Registration involves an enhanced DBS check, a suitability inspection, first aid training, and compliance with the EYFS Statutory Framework. Using an unregistered childminder means you cannot claim Tax-Free Childcare or use childcare vouchers.

What notice period should a childminder contract include?

Four weeks is the most common notice period for childminder contracts. Some childminders require longer notice (up to eight weeks) for specialist or in-demand settings. The notice period applies to both the parent and the childminder. Full fees are normally payable during the notice period. Make sure you are comfortable with the notice period before signing the contract.

Can I claim Tax-Free Childcare to pay my childminder?

Yes, provided your childminder is Ofsted registered (or registered with the equivalent body in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland). Tax-Free Childcare provides up to £500 every three months (£2,000 per year per child) from the government for every £8 you pay in. You set up a Tax-Free Childcare account through the gov.uk Childcare Service and payments are made directly to the childminder from that account.

What should I do if I have a complaint about my childminder?

First, raise your concern directly with the childminder and try to resolve it informally. If you are not satisfied with their response, you can contact Ofsted on 0300 123 1231 or make a complaint online at the Ofsted website. Ofsted will investigate complaints about safeguarding, welfare, or failure to meet the EYFS requirements. For a dispute about fees or contractual terms, you may wish to seek advice from Citizens Advice or a solicitor.

Free Childminder Contract Template

A childminder contract is a written agreement between a registered childminder and the parents or guardians of a child, setting out the terms under which childcare will be provided.

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childminder

Childminder Full Name*

Childminder Address (Setting Address)*

Ofsted Registration Number*

parent

Parent/Guardian Full Name*

Parent/Guardian Address*

Parent/Guardian Phone Number*

Parent/Guardian Email

child

Child's Full Name*

Child's Date of Birth*

care-details

Days of Care*

Hours of Care*

Start Date*

fees

Fees*

Deposit / Retainer (if applicable)

Payment Terms*

Payment Method*

termination

Notice Period*

policies

Sickness and Absence Policy*

safety

Authorised Collection Persons (besides parents)*

Children will only be released to persons named here or the parents. Photo ID may be requested.

Emergency Contact (if parents unavailable)*

medical

Dietary Requirements / Allergies (if any)

Medical Conditions / Medication (if any)

additional

Additional Terms (optional)

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CHILDMINDER CONTRACT This contract is made between: Childminder: [childminderName] Address: [childminderAddress] Ofsted Registration Number: [ofstedNumber] Parent/Guardian: [parentName] Address: [parentAddress] Telephone: [parentPhone] Child: [childName] Date of Birth: [childDob] 1. DAYS AND HOURS OF CARE Days: [daysOfCare] Hours: [hoursOfCare] Start Date: [startDate] 2. FEES AND PAYMENT Fees: [fees] Payment terms: [paymentTerms] Payment method: [paymentMethod] Fees are payable for all booked sessions, including days when the child is absent due to illness, family holidays, or bank holidays. If the childminder is unavailable (e.g. due to illness or holiday), no fee is payable for those days. The childminder will give at least four weeks' notice of any fee increase. 3. NOTICE PERIOD Either party may terminate this contract by giving 4 weeks written notice. Full fees remain payable during the notice period. The childminder reserves the right to terminate the contract immediately if the child's behaviour puts other children at risk, or if fees are more than two weeks overdue. 4. SICKNESS AND ABSENCE [sicknessPolicy] 5. COLLECTION ARRANGEMENTS The child will be collected by the parent/guardian or the following authorised persons: [authorisedCollectors] The childminder will not release the child to any person not listed above without prior written consent from the parent/guardian. The childminder may request photo identification. 6. EMERGENCY CONTACT [emergencyContact] In an emergency, the childminder will first attempt to contact the parents. If the parents are unavailable, the childminder will contact the emergency contact listed above. If the child requires urgent medical treatment, the childminder will call 999 and accompany the child to hospital. 9. SAFEGUARDING The childminder holds an Enhanced DBS check and complies with the safeguarding requirements of the EYFS Statutory Framework. The childminder has a safeguarding policy which is available for the parent to review. 10. INSURANCE The childminder holds public liability insurance and is registered with Ofsted. The current registration number is [ofstedNumber]. 11. COMPLAINTS If the parent has a concern, they should raise it with the childminder in the first instance. If the matter cannot be resolved, the parent may contact Ofsted on 0300 123 1231 or at enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. Signed by the Childminder: ___________________________ [childminderName] Date: [startDate] Signed by the Parent/Guardian: ___________________________ [parentName] Date: [startDate]

Important Notes

Legal Disclaimer

Under the Childcare Act 2006, childminders in England who care for children under eight for more than two hours a day must be registered with Ofsted. Registered childminders must comply with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework, which sets standards for learning, development, safeguarding, and welfare. The EYFS requires childminders to maintain records including a contract with each parent, attendance registers, accident and incident records, and medication logs. Under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, childminders must hold an Enhanced DBS check. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 applies to childminding services — the service must be provided with reasonable care and skill (section 49). PACEY (the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years) recommends written contracts for all childminding arrangements. Tax-Free Childcare is available for eligible parents, providing up to £2,000 per child per year towards registered childcare costs.

This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For complex legal matters, we recommend consulting a qualified solicitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

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