Childminders are increasingly opting to work with one or more assistants, whether on a casual basis, such as a family member who helps occasionally, or through a formal arrangement to increase their ratios. A childminder may work with a maximum of three assistants, allowing for a total of four individuals to work together. Childminders must ensure that all assistants, and anyone working with children, are suitable to work with children.

When recruiting an assistant, childminders must meet all the Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements outlined within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This includes ensuring safe recruitment practices are followed, such as obtaining references, completing DBS checks, receiving a suitability letter from Ofsted, providing an appropriate induction, training, and ongoing supervision.

Ofsted plays a key role in determining the suitability of all childminding assistants. An assistant must not be left unsupervised or counted in the staff-to-child ratio until both a suitability letter from Ofsted and a completed DBS check have been obtained.

Childminders must use the online form provided by Ofsted to report any new individuals who work in the setting. This includes assistants, household members, or anyone regularly present during childcare hours. The form can be accessed here: Childminders: report new people in the setting – GOV.UK

In addition, all new individuals must complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with barred lists. They must not be left unsupervised with children or counted in staff-to-child ratios until both the DBS certificate and a suitability letter from Ofsted have been received . DBS checks for childminders and childcare workers – GOV.UK

To promote best practice, childminders should follow the procedures set out in the Safer Recruitment Policy, which provides guidance on the safe recruitment of assistants.

Acas (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) provides a wide range of free template forms and documents for employers. These include example disciplinary procedures, template employment contracts, job offer letters, reference requests to support fair and consistent HR practices.

You can access these resources directly via the Acas website: 

Employment contracts 

Acas Templates | Acas