Hi guys,

I'm returning to work in September :( and am looking for a childminder for my little boy who will be 11 months by then. There seem to be so many out there and its really important to me to find the right one - has anyone got any tips on how to go about interviewing prospective childminders/ what sort of questions to ask etc?

Also, on another note, I was full time before I went on maternity and am hoping to go back part time - anyone got any tips on speaking to my employer about this?

Thanks!

Rebecca and baby Ewan

xxxxx

my son is 22 months and i have had 3 childminders and its not easy i know now the one i have is the best!!! i went to the goverment site there is a link to find registered minders in your area, i then rang a few i asked to see certificates and insurance have a look round at the house area where they will be looked after see how there children behave and look at toys that is imortant i think coz it will show you how serious they ar eabout there job, ask about policys like being paid holidays?? and other stuff?? i think you will know when you have met a few go and see as many as you can that will give an idea of what you want ask about food and stuff to
eg
my minder charges £30 per day she gives him b/fst,dinner, tea and snacks and juice she runs a playgroup has a lovely playroom she was good with contracts and stuff i pay her when he's ill and when i go away but not when she goes away. her children and very well behaved she has 4 boys from 8-20 her house is always clean and tidy my son has a note book that she writes in everyday he goes like what he eats and when he's slept i provide whole packets of nappies and wipes i write notes in the back for her to(sometimes i forget to ask her stuff when i take him pick him up) and that way i know what he's done
i hope you find this ok and if i can help anymore then plz just pm me

My son is 15 months old and has been at his cm since he was 7 months. He goes for 10.5 hours a day, 5 days a week so is there a lot, it was crucial to me that I found the right person and I knew that Claire was right from when she first picked the phone up..
I saw 4 different cm's, all that I found on the internet here http://www.childcarelink.gov.uk/
I went to all of them with a massive list of questions, absolutely everything I could think of from what would they do if Henry wouldn't nap, to how do they feel about potty training and what type of car seat would they put him in etc etc. I didn't ask any of them about money, they are all much of muchness anyway and I didn't want to be influenced by the cheapest.
My cm charges me £3 per hour and this includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, all juice and snacks, any meds he might need like calpol etc, wipes, creams - literally the only thing I supply is nappies.
She takes him out at least 3 times a week, usually to a mother and baby group that she runs a couple of times a week and then she goes to the park, indoor soft play centres, the seaside etc etc and I never get charged!!!
My best suggestion would be to see lots of people, ask them the same questions, don't be concerned on cost and go on your guy instinct - you will know who is right for your baby!!