help -first-timer - how do I find a good childminder in N8, London?

[sazza1970]

Hi there

I'm due to give birth in June and have to return to work when my baby is six months old, so am already thinking about childcare. I don't know where to start though! I'd need someone from 8.30am to 7/7.30pm, three days a week at least. I know a childminder should come recommended, but I"m not sure whether the best (and those who work the hours I need) have waiting lists and if so, perhaps I should be contacting them now... if anyone has any recommendations or advice, I'd be really grateful!

Ideally you want someone to recommend someone to you. However, unless any one on here knows a childminder in your area with a suitable vacancy, you won't get a recommendation.

The problem as you correctly identify are the hours that you need. Not that many childminders in my view will provide care until 7.30pm... 6.30pm may be more likely.
Yes, it is worth contacting providers now, even if it is just to establish what hours they operate... if they would consider providing care until 7.30pm, if they have a space coming available for June.

It is best to get the list of registered childminders from your local council. The list on the internet is never fully inclusive and not always very up-to-date.

I think the following covers your area:
Haringey CIS - Tel: 0208 4891 546

Direct.gov.uk - enter your full postcode in the "Find childcare and nurseries in England" section... then select childminders, then the next page will list contact details for your local authority Children's Information Service / Families Information Service.

Have you posted on the Mumsnet Local board. There's a Haringey one.

There is an e-mail for Haringey CIS - [email protected]

Hang on... if you are giving birth in June and not returning to work until baby is 6 months, then you aren't looking for childcare until December at the earliest. So probably best to get the list of childminders, with luck it will indicate operating hours, and then touch base with those who do provide care for the hours you need. December is a while away, so they probably won't know if they have a space available for that time... but if you kept in touch ever few months, then come Summer they may have a better idea of if a space would be available.

Do you have to have care until 7/7.30pm? Consider what options are open to you... could your partner collect your child earlier? Would work accept you working a few less hours? If you can get the likely pick-up time to be 5.30/6pm, then you will find there will be more childminders whom you could contact.