How on earth do I find a childminder?

[lemontwist]

After being a SAHM for some time I have a brilliant opportunity to get back to work. I am very lucky that I have family help for 2 days a week but for the other 3 days I will need someone to pick up my two boys from reception and preschool (the classes are next door to each other). I have tried asking around but I can't seem to find anyone able to pick up from this particular school. I have searched online & phoned other childminders but keep drawing a blank. Help!

Phone family info service to see if there are some local childminders near the school who are not on the online list.

How much would it cost for 2 children at a childminder? Wouldn;t it cost the same/less to take a nanny and she will be home so you don't have to run at a childminder's place to get your children

Have you tried just asking the pre-school leader? She'll have the details of the childminders who currently pick up from preschool (or ones that previously did) as she'd need their details as emergency contacts/authorised adults who pick up.

Oops, forgot I wrote this post. Thanks for the suggestions. I have got a list from the family information service and there are hardly any on there and I phoned round and none pick up from the school. I will ask the teacher after half term though, in case I missed anyone. I'm not sure about a nanny, I just assumed they would cost a lot more, also I would like DS to go to preschool so they would only need to be available for a couple of hours a day.

Nanny will cost about £13 an hour including tax. Cm will be £4-5 an hour per child. Even for two cm will be cheaper when you figure in nanny's taxes.

Contact the early years department at your council. Ours has a list of approved childminders.