Can't decide which childminder to go for ... looking to MN wisdom! please help me choose!

[greenday]

I'm starting work and this is the first time I am seeking childcare and its for one day a week. I have a 4yr old DD and 8mth DS. DD goes to school 9-11.30am and then reception in Sept.

My basic criteria is (apart from meals) - pick up DCs from mine, drop DD off to school, pick DD up, drop them off back home at end of day.

So far, I've met 2 childminders and here are their advantages and vice-versa :

Childminder A :
Lives further away but drives.
Only have my DCs to look after along with her own 2yr old DD.
Can pick DCs up and drop them off end of day.
Very small flat and not very conducive.
Not registered but has minded other children for the last 2 years. Has worked with children as part of her career training.
Quiet type of personality. Can't get a feel of how she's like as a person.
Charges an affordable rate for looking after 2 DCs.

Overall, more flexible and can accommodate to my requirements.

Childminder B :
Lives nearer.
Looks after several other children.
Registered.
Doesn't drive - walks and takes buses.
Flat is more conducive for children.
Definitely more experienced and confident. I know people who know her and think highly of her.
I can only afford to have DS for childminding under her (but can arrange for DD to go to friend's on that day).
I'll have to drop DCs off and pick them up at end of day.

OVerall, more professional but not flexible due to constraints with other children but more experienced and competent. Can work around dropping off / picking up and arranging for DD to go to friend's on that day, but is it worthwhile the inconvenience?

Also, considering that I haven't worked for a few years now and am eager to prove myself, ideally, it would be nice for that day to go smoothly without too much of the everyday hassle that comes with children.

Any thoughts, insights, advice, etc ... please do share!! Thanks!!!

If you want to use cm A, then she'd have to work in your home as a nanny and doesn't have to be registered unless you want to use vouchers towards her pay. I'm not sure about the advantages of having a registered nanny. It didn't exist when I was nannying. I'd make sure you get refs from her and, preferably, CRB check and First Aid cert.

Money paid by Tax credits for childcare is different to childcare vouchers offered by individual employers so your employer may offer them aswell as your DH's employer.

Could you meet Childcarer A again, maybe at your home so that you can decide whether she'd be suitable as a nanny?

Good luck, I hope you can sort something out.

Registered nannies must:

be common core qualified
have 12 hour paeds 1st aid
have nanny insurance
have a CRB through OFSTED

It's not currently compulsory but IMO they're moving to make it so.

childcare vouchers not the same as tax credits, so check if you or your DH can claim them.

Re: childcare element of working tax credit, you might not be able to claim (I work more than 16 hours a week and ger zilch according to the agency. Well, a tenner a week for tax credits. Whoopee doo).

with the vouchers, there is an implication for your pension (which is why I don;t use them atm).

oh and I use a CM for part-time child care and she is excellent (also lives 5 mins away so good for us). Only one child at present though.

Sally84 - quick check on charges for Tinies services. Did you have to pay much? Thanks!