To get a list of childminders in your area, contact your local Children's Information Centre or Council offices, some Childminders advertise in the Yellow Pages. Once you have that list start to phone around and try to visit a few who have vacancies to suit you.

We know how difficult and hard it is to find that "special" someone to entrust the care and wellbeing of your child to.

Here are some questions to ask:

How many children is the childminder registered for?

How long has the childminder been registered?

What hours is the childminder able to work?

How much does the childminder charge (and is there a reduction for siblings)?

How and when does the childminder wish to be paid?

Does the childminder charge for holidays and how much notice needs to be given?

Has the childminder had any First Aid training?

Does the childminder drive and if so have appropriate insurance and child restraints?

Are there any pets?

Does anyone smoke in the household?

Ages of other children in the childminders care?

What types of activities does the childminder offer?

Can the childminder take and collect your child from school or nursery if needed?

Does the childminder have provision for children with special needs?

Does the childminder have emergency cover?

What if your child is unwell?

Does the childminder charge a retainer fee?

What "settling in" period is there?

What drinks, snacks and meals does the childminder provide?

Where will your child sleep or rest if needed?

Does the childminder have a garden and/or use local parks etc?

Does the childminder use childminding groups and/or toddler groups?

How will you be kept informed of daily events?

Does the childminder have the same views in childcare and discipline as you?

While you are there ask to see:

Registration, insurance and training certificates.

Any references the childminder may have.

Where the children eat, play and rest.

To see equipment the childminder uses.

Look around:

Are the premises safe, clean and bright.

Have you and your child been made to feel welcome and comfortable?

Watch:

How other children in the childminders care act and play, do they seem happy andconfident with each other?

How the childminder listens and responds to the children.

If your own child seems happy and relaxed.

And finally:

Do you feel confident, happy and relaxed with the childminder?

We hope this helps you with your search and wish you and your child or children all the best for the future.