Where to find a childminder?

[DiscoStusMoonboots]

Hello everyone,

Currently 24 weeks pregnant and panicking about finding a childminder as I'm keen to return to work relatively quickly.

Could you please share with me any websites etc you found helpful in finding a childminder for your babies/toddlers?

What do you call relatively quickly? For example I'm getting enquiries for September 2024 onwards now.

I'm a cm and get most enquiries from childcare.co.uk, the LA website or Facebook.

Thanks for replying @KateyCuckoo - I'm thinking around May time, so I clearly need to get myself in gear if you're already booking for Sept!

It’s actually quite difficult to find group childcare for children under 6 months. I would start by just googling childminders in (your area) you’re going to just need to contact each provider in your area and ask them if they have space and they can have a young baby. Then you can visit them and see if you like what they can offer.

I’d also recommend visiting at a busy time, if they have lots of younger after schoolers, it might not be the best setting for a small baby.

Most nurseries also don’t take under 6 months either.

I was trying to help an aquaintance find something similar recently and we did manage to find a childminder who took 3 under 4’s only. But she was full and in the end she decided it was cheaper to stay off until she got more affordable childcare.
don’t forget you can often tack your holiday onto your mat leave.

I don't know any childminder who would invite a parent to visit as the busiest time of day.... she'll (or he'll) be busy looking after said children!

I have first meetings on my day off and then follow up ones when I'm quiet, they can see how the setting runs but I'm not neglectful in my supervision or attention to the children in my care.

I do agree that you will find it a bit trickier to find care for a baby so young. Good luck!

I think you're going to struggle to find a childminder for a 3 month old baby. Is there any reason you want to go back to work when your baby is so tiny?

Start by looking on your local authority/council website. They will have a list and contact details for all registered childminders in the area as well as nurseries and pre-schools. You could also try doing a message on your local neighbourhood Facebook group to see if people have any recommendations.

I've had several start at this age and still be coming 11 years later.

My eldest started nursery at 5 months so I know nurseries do accept younger babies x

That's really promising to hear, thank you.