Hi, Pudding (LOL! my nickname when I was in junior school!)
Yes, a CM would only be allowed to look after one child under the age of 1 unless she or he has special dispensation - say, twins, or for continuity of care when looking after siblings.
A CM would usually have some kind of routine for the day, taking into account what needs to be done (school runs, lunch, sleep routines etc) and then other activities are usually fitted in around those or centred on those (a school run may include a trip to the park and so on).
Each childminder has to work within certain legal parametres (sp?) but they run their own businesses so the actual day to day operations would be up to the CM to decide.
A CM may be able to "stick to a baby's current routine" if they do not have other children or if their current routine allows it or if they are willing / able to adapt their current routing to take the new baby's routine into account. Some will, some won't, some could, some couldn't. You may find that you have found the CM of your dreams but that your routines are different from yours so you will have to decide whether to take him or her on and have your LO's routine adapted or whether you will choose a CM you are not 110% happy with but who is able to do what you need / want etc.
Each CM should have a policy on Accidents and Emergency and should have emergency back up. As far as I know, and I could be wrong, the policy need not be a written one.
I would recommend that you talk to 3, 4 maybe 5 childminders in their own homes to see what is on offer where you are based. Childminding is such a personal thing because of the nature of the work involved and because of the home environment.
I hope that this has answered some of your questions. I have no doubt that other childminders would give different opinions!
Good luck..... I am sure you will find the right one for your child.