Looking for a childminder in NW3 - don't even know where to start!

[schroedingersdodo]

That's it, really. I live in NW3 London and was adamant I wanted a nursery for DS once I go back to work. But as I didn't like the nurseries that much I'm starting to think about alternatives.

However, I have no idea where can I look for a childminder in the area. Is there any lists, or sites somewhere? Does anyone have a recommendation?

What should I look for? Wjat questions to ask?

DS will be about 14 months and I'll need childcare for 2 or 3 afternoons a week.

Thanks in advance!

I'm stalking you from the nurseries in NW3 thread! I found it difficult too and did a lot of googling to try to find out how to go about finding one.

Call Camden Children's Information on 0207 974-1679 for an up-to-date-list of local childminders and then ring around.

You could also get a list of the names and some basic details about the CM (such as hours worked, how many vacancies, what ages of children they look after, their qualifications, special dietry needs they can cater for etc) from here. Do a search with your full postcode and go to the advanced search options and tick childminders. Some listings have the contact details of the CM and for others you'll have to contact the Family Information Directory (FID).

In terms of finding out how good they are, CM are registered and inspected by Ofsted. The site linked to above doesn't provide their Ofsted registration numbers but if you call FID they might be able to provide you with them. Otherwise, you'll have to contact the CMs and ask for their reg numbers so you can look them up (they have to display this info in their home). Then make an appointment to go and see them (with your son) and you'll get a feel for who they are and how they look after the kids and what facilities they have. Make sure you see quite a few and try to see some of the other parents! You'll know within a few minutes whether you want them to look after your son or not! here is a suggested list of issues and questions to consider when meeting a childminder.

Good luck!

By the way, I would give you the details of mine but I'm not sure I'd still recommend her! My daughter is now in a nursery aged 3, before now I felt she needed the more relaxed atmosphere of a childminder and a smaller group of children. If you work anywhere near Stoke Newington, I have a great recommendation for a childminder! I did find a really good CM in Kentish Town (NW5), but she was full and had a long waiting list; she had an outstanding ofsted but, more importantly, seemed really nice and loved the kids - can't remember what her name is though so that's not very useful to you!

Hello! Any advice or suggestions on childminders in NW3 (Hampstead/Swiss Cottage end in particular)?

Speak to your local surestart centre (there's one near Kentish Town West tube) - they'll have info on local childminders.