How far in advance should you look for a CM in SW London?

[Pidgy]

Hello,
I'm not due back at work until May 2013 but in SW London it seems nurseries already have loooong waiting lists (that you have to pay for to even be part of!). I'm due to visit a few, but also very keen to meet a few childminders as this is now my preferred option if I can find the right person.

Just wondering if anyone knows if I should be registering with CM just yet? I have a few I want to contact and meet but should I just wait or call them now.
Tbh I'm not sure how a CM manages who they have, the timings/notice periods and how much notice they get if a child is leaving?

Does anyone have experience in SW London?

Hi Pidgy,

I think you can start in december/january. Where about in South west london are you based ?

I would start ringing round now as they often know a long way in advance if a space will be available. Speak to your local ones. I have missed out on a lovely CM just two mins walk from home because I didn`t sort it out soon enough and she is full for at least 12 more months. See a few and good luck!

Summerfruit, I'm in Raynes park.

I also agree with reddaisy, it may be worth to start looking now by chatting to cm etc..go to your local mind the minder maybe ?

I have a wonderful CM not far away from you (Morden). I found her last September to start in January (I had been on a nursery waiting list since 13 weeks pregnant and actually reached the top but decided against it). She would have been able to start straight away, but was willing to wait as I wanted all the days she worked (better than juggling lots of part timers I guess).

I had no problem finding several CMs I would have been happy with with this length of notice. Some will know of vacancies a long time in advance, but not all (contract notice periods are generally only about 6 weeks).

No harm looking early either though!