Advice on choosing a childminder

Where to start
You should contact childminders well in advance of starting the placement and you are strongly advised to visit all childminders available to you before you decide.
Your first contact with the childminder will probably be by telephone to see if you can be accommodated. At this stage it would be helpful to discuss you childcare needs and to arrange a visit.

When visiting:  

• try to remember that the childminder is probably just as nervous as you are, after all you will be inspecting their home.
• Have a list of questions with you and don't be afraid to ask anything. 
• Ask to see the childminders Registration/ Insurance/ Training Certificate/First Aid Certificate.
• The Childminder should show you the toys and equipment used.
• Make sure you have discussed the charges with the childminder as they are self employed and each may have their own rate.
• Having seen all the childminders available to you, it may  be that there are several that are suitable. Make another visit and try to choose a time when they have children with them.
• Introduce your child to the childminder if you have not already done so. Once you have made you decision tell the childminder you have chosen as soon as possible, but don't forget to let the others you have visited know of your decision.     

Top questions to ask
These are all questions that you can put a childminder if you're considering them for childcare. If you're unhappy with any answer you receive, try somewhere else. 

How long have you been a childminder? 
Do you have any qualifications or have you attended any courses on childminding? 
Do you enjoy being with children, and why? Can I look around your home to see the rooms and outside play space? 
If there is no outside play space, how will you make sure that my child gets the chance to play outside? 
Where will my child rest? 
What kind of food and drink will you provide, or can I provide my own? 
What will my child do all day? 
How do you encourage good behaviour? 
Will my child be with a regular group of children? 
How old are these other children? 
How will their timetable fit in with that of my child? 
Who else lives in the home? 
How will you make sure I know how my child is getting on? 

Quality pointers 
It is always a good idea to visit a childminder that you're considering sending your child to in person. When you do, look out for these "quality pointers" - you could add your own to the list as well. 
Do the children appear calm, safe and happy? 
Do children play and talk together? 
Does the childminder listen to children and answer them carefully? 
Are there lots of fun activities planned to help children learn and play? 
Can children help to plan some of these activities themselves? 
Are there plenty of clean toys and equipment for children to use? 
Is the home clean, well kept and safe for children? 
Is there an outside play area? If there is no outside play area, will children go to parks and other such places regularly? 
Do you feel that the childminder has given you the opportunity to say what you want for your children? 
Do you feel that they have listened and understood? 
If there are any other issues that you'd like to discuss, do not be afraid to ask. Any good childminder will expect such questions, and should be willing and able to answer them. 

Good practice 
This is a list of four other good tips to consider when choosing a childminder. 

Listen - to your child. They are the ones who will have to spend their days with the childminder after all! Always find out more if they seem unhappy or unwilling to attend 

Trust your feelings - you know your child, and are the best judge of whether they will be happy and will thrive with any particular childminder 

References - always take up references, and check them back to their source if you think that's necessary. You could also ask for the names of other parents to talk to about your chosen childminding service 

Inspection reports - always ask to see the OfSTED (Early Years) inspection report for the current year 

How can I find a childminder?
Click here to find a list of childminders in Southampton. Some childminders prefer not to put their details on the internet  - for a more complete list, contact Southampton Children's Information Service free on 0800 169 8833. 
You will be asked how many children need care, their ages, the times you need the care, whether the child/ren need to be taken to or collected from school or preschool, and whether you have any other requirements. The Children's Information Service will send you a list of childminders who are advertising vacancies which meet your needs. 

What to do if you're concerned
If you have any concerns at all about the quality or integrity of your childcare provider, you can contact the regulating body - OfSTED - on 0845 601 4772.