The following is a list of registered childminders operating in the SBA. Contact the childminder directly or for further details of registered childminders, looking for a childminder or for more information on how to register as a childminder please contact Cath Shippen, SSAFA FH Childminding Coordinator on 99237279 or SSAFA Branch 2527 5130

HIVE Accept no responsibility for errors or omissions. Information pertaining to registered childminders is supplied from the SSAFA Forces Help Childminding coordinators.

Why use a registered childminder

All Childminders have background checks carried out by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and SSAFA Forces Help.

• Anyone of 16 or over in a Childminder’s house also has these checks carried out
• All Childminders complete a Paediatric First Aid Course to help deal with any medical emergency your child may have
• All Childminders complete a Safeguarding Children Course to help them protect children from abuse
• All Childminders complete an Introduction to Childcare Practice Course
• All Childminders complete training in the Early Years Foundation Stage – the principles followed by all Early Years settings such as crèches, nurseries and reception classes
• All Childminders have ongoing Ofsted inspections to ensure they continue to offer the highest standards of care to your child

Working Tax Credit – Childcare element

You can only claim for the costs of childcare arrangements if, the childcare provider has been approved by a local authority (SSAFA FH on behalf of BFC). You must obtain the approval or registration details from your childcare provider to qualify for the childcare element of Working Tax Credit (WTC). This is the registration number given to childcare providers to show that they are approved.  Ask your childcare provider for these details if you do not know them. Using Domestic Assistances (DA) to provide childcare does NOT allow you to claim WTC for childcare because they are not approved by the local authority. Speak with Army Families Federation (aff) if you need help - 25962110 www.aff.org.uk

Weblink: http://taxcredits.hmrc.gov.uk/HomeNew.aspx

Childcare voucher scheme

Childcare vouchers are a government initiative designed to help working parents pay for childcare. You can convert part of your salary into vouchers – up to £243 per month –  saving the tax and National Insurance you would normally pay on that amount.

The vouchers are part of your pay so you will receive your childcare vouchers in line with your monthly pay. You can choose to receive paper vouchers at your correspondence address, or e-vouchers, which are by far the most popular choice and allow you to go online and make direct payments into your carer’s bank account.

Weblink: http://www.modchildcare.co.uk/

Illegal childminding

Childcare in the SBA is still governed by UK law and Ofsted regulations do apply. Anyone who cares for a child of under eight years, to whom they are not related, for more than two hours a day on domestic premises for reward (money, gifts or any recompense) must be registered as a child minder.

SSAFA representative, acting for Ofsted conduct ongoing checks on all bases. Registration of childminders is necessary for the protection of the children as well as to legally protect parents and childminders. Parents should always ask to see a childminders registration certificate, this certificate will show a SSAFA registration number which can be used to confirm the childminders registration. If you have any concerns regarding illegal childminders on the bases, or queries about childminding, please contact SSAFA force Help childminding coordinator Cath Shippen on 99237279 or SSAFA on Episkopi 25962593 Akrotiri 25275130

Business Licenses

It is illegal to operate a business without a license. All individuals wishing to operate as registered childminders must have a business license. Licenses applications are available from the HCSO office. Childminders must be registered with SSAFA Forces Help before applying and cannot operate until a business license is issued.

If you have any concerns or suspect someone maybe operating a business without a license you should write to the SBA Administration or HCSO.

CHILDMINDING ON CROWN PROPERTY

ORDER SPONSOR: SO2 J1 Disc

1.            Units are reminded that where any group or individual is using MOD property for their own gain and profit, MOD must be indemnified against the possibility of any loss or claim for loss.  There is a specific requirement for childminders, individuals or groups, to provide insurance cover (naming the Secretary of State for Defence) to the value of £2,000,000 for any one incident and unlimited in total.

2.            In particular units should warn dependants who act as Childminders that this Order applies to them.