What is a requirement for childminders according to the Early Years Framework?

The requirement for childminders according to the Early Years Framework emphasizes the importance of planning diverse play activities for children. This is essential because a varied and engaging play environment supports children's development across multiple areas, including social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills. By incorporating diverse activities, childminders create opportunities for children to explore, learn, and interact with their peers, helping to nurture their creativity and critical thinking skills.

Planning diverse play activities aligns with the principles of the Early Years Framework, which advocates for a child-centered approach to learning. This approach enables children to play and learn in a way that is tailored to their interests, developmental stages, and individual needs, ultimately fostering a holistic developmental experience.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the requirements set forth in the Early Years Framework. While employing assistants might be beneficial for some childminders, it is not a strict requirement. Catering exclusively to infants limits the scope of care that a childminder may offer and does not meet the framework's focus on a broader age range. Additionally, having no registered hours of operation would contradict the essential need for structured and consistent care.