where to find a CM besides CIS list?

[Kerelene]

does anyone know other ways of finding CMs? - or would most people be listed on the CIS list anyway?
Thanks

I found DS and DDs childminder from an advert in our village shop.

parenting websites(netmums.com is one i use) put ad on or see if there are already ads there, ask at local schools/playgroups/nurseries/creche/other mums/ncma/google childminder for your area???

Could always say which area you are in and see if someone on here has a vacancy

I have 2 vacancies if you're in Nuneaton?

I am in west / east sussex!

Or try friends recommendations, is there a CM at the toddler group etc

I find the best way is advertising online, places like this or netmums, or even gumtree.

I don't get many calls through CIS and I know several cms who aren't on the lists because they don't need to be - they get all their work through recommendation.

Could you ask around your friends to find out if they can recommend anyone?

Thanks for the suggestions, I have joined netmums and put a message there. Will try gumtree too.

I am moving to a new area (Walthamstow in East London) and don't really know anyone there so can't get recommendations.

If anyone here is in Walthamstow I'd be glad to hear from you!

I found my current minder through CIS (in Lambeth) and am very happy with her, but in Waltham Forest they will only send you the vacancy list (on NCMA website it says ask for full list but they wouldn't give it to me). I haven't found many suitable ones on the list.

I looked on Ofsted but there are 232 childminders in walthamstow so would take forever to go through them all - also I don't think Ofsted reports necessarily give the best indication of how good a minder is as I think my current CM's was satisfactory grade and I think she's much better than that.Ofsted seems to place a lot of emphasis on paperwork.

I have found someone who will do for now and I will see how it goes, am hoping it will be easier to find other potential CMs once we are living there if it doesn't work out with this lady.

Changing CMs is such a big step and yet when you're moving house it's just one of a hundred other things to co-ordinate with...

Hi. Can I just check something as I'm not sure if you phoned CIS, went on their website or both? If you've seen online then please ignore me. But if you haven't been on their website - childcarelink , try it

This shows your area and there are 79 listed, some of which may not have vacancies but should still be listed. This website provides information that goes from CIS to national database and the only childminders not listed are those who chose not to be listed on the internet.

Can I ask you something, if you're moving house, would you have found it useful for the estate agent to have been able to help with some info like this? Just wondering if it's something we could add to our CM advertising tips thread?

Thanks, I have been to the site and got a big list, so it does seem to include those who are not on the 'vacancy only list' so I can cross reference the two.

I am sure the right CM is out there for us somewhere...