Looking for a Childminder - new to all this, advice required

[car25]

I am toying with the idea of trying to find a childminder in Mid Sussex for my LO, for initially only maybe one or two half days a week.
I have a list of childminders from Childlink, but what should I particularly look out for in a childminder? It will be the first time I have left LO and I am really anxious about finding the "right" person.
Apart from Childlink and Yell.com, are there any other websites that childminders advertise on?
Any advice, help, or indeed recommedations for childminders in Mid Sussex would be gratefully received.
Thanks.

If you ring the Childrens Info Service in your area, they should have access to leaflets that they can send you with general information about childminders.

I would ring a few childminders in your area and invite yourself round for a visit. Ask them what kind of activities/outings they do, what other children would be there etc. Visiting some may help you decide that, for instance, you want someone who has access to a garden, who includes all meals, or who hasn't got pets. Have you any idea of what you would expect from a childminder?

If you're looking at these childminding threads, Hellybelly has just posted a long list of sites where minders can advertise, which may help you too.

I think you should go with your gut feeling when you first meet the childminder, see how they are with the other children in their care and how they are with your child.

Have a look at this thread for a list of questions that seem to sum up everything
HTH

I know how you feel, i didn't leave DD1 until she was nearly two. It was hard work looking for a cm in the end I settled with someone I knew vaguely from our toddler grp - this was because I liked her policies etc - followed what I do as a parent, had a child young enough to interact with DD1 when there, she also only did b4 and after school runs for her own children and wasn't too bothered about having her full quota - I had also seen her interact with children on a regular basis at toddlers and also discipline as appropriate. Seeing it was much more comforting than only being able to read it on paper.

This time around I have to go in cold with a list of phone numbers. Once I found someone I liked I'd turn up at a toddler grp they go to, to see for myself.

If you go to toddler grps etc then ask around, there maybe a cm there or someone will at least know someone.

The one question I have always asked is to see the inspection report - I will always read it and ask questions especially regards any improvements that have been requested and how these have been achieved

• Did this is one house and they looked rather bemused, took 10mins to find it - found in its original envelope in the bottom of a box - and what was the recommendations? - Sort out and organise paperwork appropriately! (please note I visted 8mths after inspection) We didn't use this one.

I don't know what you call mid sussex, I guess the Haywards Heath/Burgess Hill area, I'm a childminder in Horsham with a vacancy at the moment, you are welcome to contact me if you wish to talk.

I am also a childminder in West Sussex, I have an OUTSTANDING Ofsted Grade and if this helps this is what I offer - Please contact me if you would like a friendly (no obligation!) chat!!

Professional quality childcare in a Village location. OFSTED regestered with OUTSTANDING grades. Organic food provided. Planned activities.Daily diary completed for your information. Caring and friendly environment. Babies very welcome. Some experience with special needs. Outings. Holiday cover and before and after school care. I only ever have a small number of children! Place readvertised due to mum deciding to stay at home!

Thanks for all your replies, very helpful, I didn't realise what a huge task this may turn out to be.

Thanks Badgerhead, Horsham probably further than I wanted to go.

Booh, I'm in Haywards Heath, are you local to me?

hello, I am about 10mins drive from HH. But I offer a drop off / collection too! Don't really want to put where I live on the internet! How about you CAT me and I can give you further info?

NCMA (National Childminding Association) have a booklet "Choosing a Childminder" which may help you.