Top tips for choosing a childminder
Choosing the right childcare is a big decision - you want to
make sure you get it right! Let the National Childminding
Association (NCMA) help you out.
Your top tips for choosing a registered childminder
1 Start by asking people you know. Are any of your friends,
family or colleagues already using a childminder? Getting a
recommendation by word of mouth is a great way to get started.
2 Make a shortlist of childminders to go and visit. Your local
Family
Information Service (FIS) holds details of registered
childminders in your area.
3 Arrange to visit your chosen childminders at times when
they'll have children with them. It gives you chance to see their
setting in action.
4 Listen to your child! If they're old enough, ask them what
they liked about each of the childminders. And if they're too young
to tell you, think about how they reacted to the childminder - and
how the childminder reacted to them.
5 Take a list of questions to ask. Finding out what
qualifications the childminder has, or what they plan to do with
the children, can help you make up your mind. There's a list of questions to ask
in our Parents section.
For more help and information about choosing a childminder or
nanny, visit our Parents
section now. There's even a film
to watch about the benefits of choosing a childminder to care
for your child.
And you can always contact NCMA for more information on 0845 880
0044.
This page was last updated
on: 2/6/2012