We found our great childminder on Childcarelink, Just enter your requirements and it will come up with a list of options (all registered) I called loads, visited just 2, both great, and our 1 year old has been with our childminder for 3 months and clearly loves her. Unfortunately some childminders will want you to pay them to keep a place open for your child, which can be costly but it's deffo worth exploring all options now.