Childminder profile page: what to include in New Zealand

What your profile page should contain

Your Websta profile is a dedicated page that works like a simple website. Parents can view it on phone or desktop, see photos of your space, read about what you offer, and get in touch without leaving the platform.

Start with a clear headline that describes what you do - for example, 'Childminder for ages 0-5' or 'After-school care in [your suburb]'. Add a short description of your experience, your approach to childcare, and any qualifications you hold. Keep this honest and straightforward.

Add photos of your childcare space - the play area, outdoor space if you have one, and any resources or activities you provide. Parents want to see where their child will spend time. You do not need professional photos; clear, natural images work well.

List the services you offer under separate headings: full-time childcare, part-time care, after-school pickup, weekend care, or specific age groups you work with. For each service, add a short description of what it includes.

Include a contact form so parents can ask questions without committing. You can also set up online booking if you want parents to reserve time slots directly, or use a quote request option if you prefer to discuss arrangements first.

• Profile headline and short description of your experience
• Photos of your childcare space and activities
• List of services you offer (full-time, part-time, after-school, weekend, etc.)
• Age groups you work with
• Your qualifications or training if relevant
• Contact form or online booking option
• Languages you speak

Photos that matter

Parents decide quickly whether to contact you based on photos. Include at least three to five images that show your space in use. Avoid blurry or cluttered shots.

Good photos show: the main play area with toys or resources, outdoor space or garden if you have access to one, a quiet corner for naps or rest time, and activities in progress. If you work with older children, show craft supplies, books or outdoor play.

Do not photograph children's faces unless you have written permission from their parents. Many childminders photograph spaces and activities without children in frame, or photograph from behind or at a distance.

Languages on your profile

Publish your profile in English. If you speak other languages - Maori, Samoan, Mandarin, or others - mention this clearly in your description. Many families in New Zealand speak languages other than English at home and may prefer to communicate with you in those languages.

You do not need to translate your whole profile, but stating your languages helps the right families find you and shows you can support multilingual children.

How parents search for childminders in New Zealand

Parents in New Zealand look for childminders on Websta's marketplace by service type - they select 'childcare' - and by location. They enter their suburb or region and see all childminders nearby. Some search by specific need: 'after-school care', 'baby care', 'weekend childcare'.

Many parents also ask friends, whanau and local Facebook groups for recommendations. Having a professional profile on Websta gives you another way to be found, separate from word-of-mouth.

Parents typically compare a few childminders before deciding. They read your description, look at photos, check how quickly you respond to messages, and often ask about your approach, your availability and your experience with children of their child's age.

What you need to check with your local authority

Before you start accepting children, you need to understand what regulations apply to you in your region. Requirements vary depending on how many children you care for and where you are based.

Check with your local council or district health board about childcare regulations, home safety standards, and whether you need to be on any register. You should also ask about health and safety requirements, accident reporting, and what records you need to keep.

Most regions require background checks if you care for children. You will need to find out the process for your area. Do not start work before you have completed all required checks and clearances.

Payments and getting started

When a parent books or pays you through Websta, the payment goes to your own bank account via Stripe. You set your own prices for each service. This means you stay in control of your rates and your earnings.

To accept card payments on Websta, you connect your bank account through Stripe. This is straightforward and takes about 10 minutes.

In your first hour, write your profile headline and main description, add at least two photos, and list the services you offer. You can add more detail and more photos later. The sooner your profile is live, the sooner parents can find you.

What to write in your first hour

Do not try to write the perfect profile. Start with what matters most to parents right now.

Write a one-sentence headline: 'Childminder for ages 0-3 in [suburb]' or 'After-school care and school pickup'. Write a short paragraph (three to four sentences) about your experience and what you offer. For example: 'I have worked as a childminder for five years. I care for children aged two to five. I focus on play-based learning and outdoor time. I can provide full-time or part-time care.'

Add two or three photos of your space. List the services you offer in simple terms. Add one or two languages if you speak them. That is enough to start. Parents will contact you, and you can answer their questions in detail.