How To Work With A Childminder

Step 1: Finding a Childminder

There are many different ways to find a childminder. These include:
Speaking to other parents
Looking in directories such as the yellow pages
Advertising in a local newspaper

Step 2: Choosing a Childminder

Like with any childcare, when choosing a childminder, make a list of what you want from them. Think about location, opening times, price and reputation.
Speak to childminders in your chosen location and find out whether they meet your criteria.

Any childminder you choose should be registered with the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) so check this when you speak to them.

Step 3: Visiting A Childminder

To aid your decision, visit a selection of childcarers. A good childminder will be more than happy for you to have a look round their premises.

Ask the childminder as many questions as possible. Examples include:
1) What activities are planned?
2) What food and drink are the children given?
3) What do they do if the child is ill?

Take your child to visit as well. This will give you the opportunity to see how he or she responds to the new environment and new childcarer.

Step 4: Working with A Childminder

When you have chosen your childminder, take advantage of the flexibility they have to offer.

As they are working in their own home, they are more likely to have the children for longer so this should suit if you also work long hours. Before they start, let them know when you will require childcare and they should be able to accommodate you.

They will also be able to cater specifically for your child's needs so let them know about special diets, nap times and favourite activities.