A Registered Childminder has the advantage of being able to offer good quality care for children in a secure, loving, home environment. 

Many registered childminders care for children from birth until the age of 13 or 14, offering an unrivalled continuity of care. 

With a low ratio of children to childminder, each child can receive the individual care and attention that they need. 

They can build a strong relationship with a single carer and a small group of children, and brothers and sisters can be cared for in the same setting.

Dr Penelope Leach, the NCMA president says:

     "I believe that for babies and toddlers, childminding alone is probably the best kind of daycare we've yet dreamed up. It does potentially better for children, families and for society."  
    
Many parents prefer their children to be in the less institutionalised setting of a childminder's home, rather than a nursery.

Childminders offer greater flexibility because they work at home.  If you have unusual hours, special needs or irregular work patterns, childminders are often the best option.