Choosing a childminder

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First contact your council's Children's Information Service. It holds information on the services and facilities childminders offer. Your library should have details of how to contact your council to find childminders with vacancies. Alternatively, Childcarelink will provide details of your local CIS. Call 08000 960296 or log on to www.childcarelink.gov.uk.

Then you need to ring round and organise visits with your baby. Think about the questions you'd like to ask such as what food is provided, what kind of day your child will have, as well as details about outings, activities, TV-watching and so on. You may also want to see your chosen childminder's Ofsted report. If so, ask your childminder for a copy or log on to www.ofsted.gov.uk.

The best way to find a childminder is by recommendation, so ask around. It's emotional leaving your baby for the first time, but you should be able to find someone good to care for them. Childminders are self-employed and can set their own policies for sick and holiday pay. Not all childminders charge full rates during your holidays, but many do.

Remember, you may think it's a privilege to look after your child, but it's her job, and she needs to pay her bills whether or not your child is being looked after by her.

By Siobhan O'Neill

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