When to start looking for a good childminder?

[Chocolocolate]

We will need a childminder for 3-4 days a week starting at the end of next June.

Baby is due in November.

When should we start looking?

I would have a ring around about September and just get a feel for waiting list times etc in your area. You won't be able to secure a place until baby is born but you might have more time on your hands before baby comes to do a lot of the leg work with regard to narrowing down a short list etc.

Good luck.

Make some investigations before the baby arrives - you'll be amazed how little time you have afterwards!

You'll probably be able to narrow down your options a bit, then start looking again to secure a place after Christmas.

Are you set on a CM rather than a nursery?

I would start enquiring about six months before (about the end of January 2012), this will give you plenty of time to enquire and meet a few child minders. If a child minder doesn't have a vacancy, you can leave your details them and if a space comes up, they can then contact you.
When you have decided on a child minder, you can usually pay a deposit to secure a place :)