Updated October 21, 2026
How people usually find childminders
Parents in Gibraltar use a mix of local networks and online listings. Word of mouth from other parents or workplace contacts is common because Gibraltar is a small community and personal recommendations carry weight. Local community noticeboards, schools and nursery staff sometimes pass on names. Online platforms and marketplaces are increasingly used to search by service, availability and location.
When you search, expect to find a small number of locally based childminders rather than a very large market. That makes it useful to start early and to contact several options so you can compare availability and approach.
- Ask friends, colleagues and school staff for recent recommendations.
- Search online listings and marketplaces so you can see services and availability.
- Check community groups and local noticeboards for new or part-time childminders.
Initial checks and references
Before arranging a meet-up, verify basic identity and experience. Ask for references you can call and recent work history with children of the same age. Check for continuity of previous placements rather than only short or very frequent changes.
Ask whether the childminder has public liability insurance and what it covers. If they refuse to provide basic background information or references, treat that as a warning and look elsewhere.
- Request at least one recent reference and contact details.
- Ask to see identification and proof of address.
- Confirm whether they carry public liability or childminder-specific insurance.
What to ask before agreeing a placement
Use a short meeting to cover safety, daily routine and boundaries. Be clear about your child's needs - medical conditions, allergies, sleep and feeding routines, and any behavioural strategies you prefer. Discuss how they handle emergencies and whether they hold paediatric first aid training.
Agree practical terms in writing. Cover together the hours, pick-up and drop-off arrangements, illness and cancellation policies, and contact expectations during care. Ask how they record incidents and communicate daily updates.
- How many children they currently care for and typical group size.
- Their usual daily routine and example activities for your child’s age.
- Emergency procedures and whether they are trained in paediatric first aid.
Qualifications, registrations and local checks in Gibraltar
Regulation and formal qualification requirements can vary. Rather than assuming a specific certification, check directly with the provider and with Gibraltar government information about whether childminders must register or meet set standards. Ask for details of any early years qualifications they hold and whether those were issued locally or elsewhere.
Also ask about criminal record checks or police vetting. In the absence of a central register you should request written confirmation of any vetting the provider has completed and follow up with their referees. If you are unsure where to verify registration, contact the relevant Gibraltar department for guidance.
- Confirm any childcare qualifications and where they were obtained.
- Ask whether they have recent police or criminal-record checks and see documentation.
- Check with local government offices if registration or inspections apply to home-based childminders.
Language, hours and seasonality to consider
English is the official language in Gibraltar, and most providers will use English in routine care. Many people also speak Spanish; if you prefer a bilingual arrangement, ask upfront. Clarify the language they will use for routines and learning activities.
Expect availability to change with school terms and holidays. Demand typically rises during school holidays and popular holiday periods. If you need cover for term-time work, or occasional holiday care, plan and book in advance.
- Ask which languages the childminder uses during care.
- Confirm availability during school terms and holiday periods.
- Discuss flexibility for occasional or emergency cover.
Quotes, fees and how payments are handled
Agree fees and payment terms before the first session. Providers may accept cash, bank transfer or card depending on personal arrangements. Ask about invoicing, notice periods for cancellation and whether you will be charged for sickness or short-notice cancellations.
If you work through an online profile or marketplace, payments may be processed via third-party payment services and paid out to the provider’s bank account. On platforms where payments are accepted by card, check how refunds, disputes and receipts are handled.
- Get a clear quote that shows hourly or session rates and any extras.
- Agree payment method and timing - weekly, monthly or per session.
- Ask how changes and refunds are handled if plans change.
How a Websta profile helps compare providers
A Websta profile gives a single place to view a provider’s listed services, photos, stated prices, availability and a contact form or online booking where available. That makes it easier to compare several childminders by the same set of basic facts. Providers set their own prices and receive card payments to their bank account via Stripe when the platform supports card payments.
Use the profile to check stated qualifications, described routines and any photos of the environment. Remember that a profile is a starting point - you should still carry out the checks and questions described above, and follow up with direct calls and a visit before you leave your child in someone’s care.
- Compare services, hours and photos across multiple providers at once.
- Contact providers through the profile to request references and arrange visits.
- Confirm payment and booking terms shown on the profile before first booking.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I check a childminder's background in Gibraltar?
- Ask the childminder for recent references, proof of identity, any criminal-record or police vetting they hold, and details of qualifications. Follow up by calling referees and, if unsure about registration requirements, contact the relevant Gibraltar government department for guidance.
- What should I ask at the first meeting with a potential childminder?
- Cover routines for sleeping, feeding and comfort, safety and emergency procedures, allergies or medical needs, typical daily activities, group size, and practical terms like hours, fees, cancellation policy and how they communicate with parents.
- Are childminders in Gibraltar usually fluent in English?
- English is the official language and most childminders will use it, but many residents also speak Spanish. If you want bilingual care, ask the provider about languages used during care sessions.
- How are payments typically handled when hiring a childminder?
- Payment methods vary. Many childminders accept cash or bank transfer; some accept card. If you book through an online profile that supports card payments, those payments are paid out to the provider's bank account via third-party processors. Always agree payment terms and receipts in writing.
- Can I rely on an online profile alone when choosing a childminder?
- An online profile is a useful starting point to compare services, photos and availability, but you should still request references, check qualifications and vetting, and visit in person before making a final decision.
About the numbers
Counts in this guide were read from the Websta catalogue when the text was written and are refreshed above from the live catalogue. Part of the catalogue was built from the public business register and is marked as such on each profile.
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