When should I start looking for a childminder...

[happyduck]

Hi

I'm planning to go back to work some time in March next year and will be looking for a childminder for my, by then, 10 month old son. Can anyone tell me when I should start contacting childminders to find someone with a vacancy? How far in advance do they know if they are likely to have a vacancy? Also, other than this forum, the council's info and childcare.co.uk are there any other places where childminders regularly advertise their vacancies.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[minder]

You could try taking your son to the local toddler group or Children's Centre. From your post he's 5/6 months but it's a good way to find childminders in your area and have a chat!

I spoke to a parent last week at my local Children's Centre who was looking for care for her baby next March. I couldn't help but know childminders in the area who could and put her in contact. Childminders are few and far between at the moment as the government are putting lots of pressure on the way we operate but I just carry on as normal, as I've done for many years.

It's a shame as a lot of would-be childminders are put off and it would help a lot of parents who are looking for childcare.

Through word of mouth I've filled a space for the New Year. My parent told me in the summer that they would be leaving (due to having baby end of year).

Good luck.

[happyduck]

Thanks Minder. Much appreciated.

[dav170269a]

Hi i was reading your ad i am a registered childminder i have been for six years if you would like to find out more give me a call i live in the peckham area close to old kent road all my family have been crb checked i have twenty seven years experenice with children i have four children of my own three are now adults and a ten year old i have four spaces at the moment if you might be interested message me and i will give you my number

[Mrtibbs]

I started looking 3-4 months before I went back to work. I found a lovely minder called Julie who lives in a lovely house on tyrell road, I saw someone else on this forum called Yasmina has also recommended her. Julie doesn't use the Internet, so best way to contact her is by phone 07943549721.

Good luck. It's so hard leaving them, would recommend doing a prolonged settling in. I left my daughter with Julie for 2 hours a day twice a week for a whole month before I went back and she settled fine when it came to longer days and napping.

[happyduck]

Thanks so much for your advice Mr Tibbs. I'll give Julie a call.