childminder: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2neutral, slightly informal
Quick answer
What does “childminder” mean?
A person who is paid to look after young children in their own home, often on a regular basis while the parents work.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is paid to look after young children in their own home, often on a regular basis while the parents work.
A childcare provider offering informal, home-based care; someone who is registered or certified to provide care for children, typically in a domestic setting rather than a formal nursery.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'childminder' is predominantly British English. In American English, the equivalent terms are 'daycare provider', 'family daycare provider', or 'in-home caregiver'.
Connotations
In the UK, 'childminder' is a standard, often officially registered role. In the US, the term is rarely used and might be seen as a Britishism.
Frequency
Very high frequency in UK English; very low to zero frequency in US English.
Grammar
How to Use “childminder” in a Sentence
[parent] hired/found a childminderThe childminder looks after [number] children[child] goes to a childminderVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “childminder” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She decided to childmind after having her own children.
- He is qualified to childmind up to six children.
American English
- She provides family daycare.
- He runs an in-home childcare service.
adjective
British English
- The childminding profession is regulated by Ofsted.
- We're looking for childminding services in the area.
American English
- The family daycare profession is state-regulated.
- We're looking for in-home childcare services.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the context of small business or self-employment registration for childcare services.
Academic
In social policy or early childhood education studies comparing formal and informal care settings.
Everyday
Common in conversations among parents arranging childcare.
Technical
Used in official UK government documents related to childcare regulations and Ofsted inspections.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “childminder”
- Using 'childminder' in American English contexts.
- Confusing 'childminder' (works in own home) with 'nanny' (often works in child's home).
- Spelling as 'child minder' (should be one word or hyphenated 'child-minder').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A childminder typically cares for children in their own home, often looking after several children from different families. A nanny usually works in the child's own home and is employed by one family.
In the UK, you must register with Ofsted (or a childminder agency) and meet requirements including a paediatric first aid course, childcare training, and a DBS check. Specific qualifications can vary.
Yes. Many childminders offer 'wraparound' care, looking after children before and after school and during school holidays.
A childminder works from their own home, offering a home-like environment, often with mixed-age groups. A nursery is a dedicated childcare facility, usually with larger groups of children separated by age and more staff.
A person who is paid to look after young children in their own home, often on a regular basis while the parents work.
Childminder is usually neutral, slightly informal in register.
Childminder: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃaɪldmaɪndə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃaɪldmaɪndər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a person who 'minds' (takes care of) a 'child' in their home.
Conceptual Metaphor
CAREGIVER AS GUARDIAN (minding/guarding the child's well-being).
Practice
Quiz
Which term is the closest American English equivalent to the British 'childminder'?