Find a registered childminder near you
Smaller groups, hourly rates and hours that fit around work — including school runs and wrap-around care. Every childminder here is Ofsted registered, and it's free to search and enquire.
Why families choose a childminder
Small groups, one familiar face
A childminder cares for a handful of children at a time, in their own home. Your child has the same person every day, not a rota.
Pay by the hour
Childminders charge by the hour, so you only pay for the hours you actually need. Funded hours still apply.
School runs and wrap-around care
Drop-offs, pick-ups, breakfast clubs, after-school care and full days in the holidays — the cover families often need around school.
Hours that bend
Early starts, late finishes, shift patterns and the occasional weekend. Ask — most childminders will talk it through.
Registered and checked
Every childminder on Toddle is Ofsted registered, and their profile shows their Ofsted grade and the checks they hold.
Free for families
Searching, comparing and enquiring on Toddle costs you nothing, and always will.
How it works
Search your postcode
Filter by hourly rate, the age you need care for, school runs, wrap-around cover and what the home is like.
Compare real vacancies
Profiles show total spaces available, plus the age groups each childminder accepts.
Enquire and visit
Send one message to up to five childminders. They reply to you directly, then you visit the home.
Common questions
Ofsted ratings changed in November 2025 — what do the new grades mean?+
From 10 November 2025 Ofsted stopped giving one overall judgement like Outstanding or Good. Inspections now produce a report card with a grade for each area — exceptional, strong standard, expected standard, needs attention or urgent improvement — plus whether safeguarding is met. Childminders inspected before that date keep their old rating until their next inspection, so you'll see both on Toddle. The two scales can't be compared directly.
What's the difference between a childminder and a nursery?+
A childminder works from their own home with a small group — usually up to six children of mixed ages. A nursery is a larger setting with rooms grouped by age and a bigger team. Childminders tend to be more flexible on hours and better for school runs; nurseries offer more space, more staff and more structured facilities.
Can I use my funded hours with a childminder?+
Yes, if the childminder offers them. Registered childminders can deliver funded early education hours and accept Tax-Free Childcare, exactly like a nursery. Each profile lists which schemes they take.
How do I know a childminder is safe?+
Check their Ofsted registration and latest inspection grade, their enhanced DBS check, paediatric first aid certificate and public liability insurance — Toddle profiles show these. Then visit the home and trust your gut.
Is Toddle free to use?+
Yes, completely free for families. There's no charge to search, compare or send an enquiry.
Are you a childminder?
Set up your profile from your phone and start receiving enquiries from local families. Free, with no commission on places you fill.