Oh, tell me about your great childminder

[verds]

We're looking at part time childcare for our two year old.

I originally fancied a nannyshare, but then realised how pricey it would be.

Now I'm looking at childminders and am going through the list from Southwark. I know there have been loads of threads on this already, but can anyone share any secrets about how to find a good one? My little girl likes a sing and a laugh, so we need a fun one!

I'm in a bit of a dilemma, as I've been offered a permanent job which I'd love

to just say yes to, but I feel like I should get this sorted out first.

Thanks!

[mouseysarah]

We have used a childminder for our son two days a week since he was 11 months - he is now 2 and a half and he loves his childminder and the children he spends time with, it is like an extended family and it has been truly brilliant.

If you've got the Southwark list, the first job will be to work through and find out who's got a space at the right time - this may be quite dispiriting at first as certainly I felt like I got a lot of people saying no, but you will soon pull a shortlist together. Childminders often have places at short notice so it can be too early to look - unlike a nursery place where you will almost certainly have a waiting list - the perfect time seems to be about 2 months before you need the place.

Childminders have to be Ofsted registered and inspected, so when you go and see one you'll get his or her Ofsted number and be able to read the most recent report. You can also find out what other qualifications they have - many have additional childcare qualifications or are working towards them, certificates in eg nutrition or child development etc. Childminders have to follow the early years foundation curriculum, like nurseries do, so there should be a good mix of activities but the childminder should be happy to tell you all about what they do and what a typical day is.

They all set their own fees and hours, we pay ?40 a day for 8.30-5.30 which is on the cheaper end. That includes food and all the playgroups and outings etc. You should be able to use childcare vouchers if your employer offers them and also childcare tax credits if relevant.

I used this list of questions to help structure our meetings with childminders, but a lot of it is about personal preferences, rapport and gut instinct. I saw several who were nice enough but there was just something that clicked with the one we chose and made her the right choice for us. Every childminder's set up is slightly different and you will know what will suit your daughter and your family best: for example, I was keen on my son having lots of social interaction so I liked the fact that my childminder goes to a playgroup every single day and has quite a busy schedule, whereas some people would prefer a set up where they spend more time at the home and things are quieter.

Good luck with your search!