How far in advance do I need to look for a childminder?

[AppleAndBlackberry]

DH and I were initially thinking about a nursery for our not-yet-born child when I go back to work (August 2010), so we were planning to visit some now and reserve a place well in advance because of waiting lists etc.

We are now thinking we would prefer a childminder so I was just wondering how that works in terms of reserving a place and when would be a good time to start looking? I'm guessing something like 6 months in advance would be best?

It depends on your area and how many childminders their are. Most will only guarantee a place if you pay a retainer (half fees until you use it) which obviusly you dont want to doing too soon as it wll cost you a fortune. They may take a deposit if they know a place is coming up, for example if a child wil lbe starting school

hth

I agree. I've met pregnant ladies so they get a feel for things, nothing stopping you looking into it. But as for paying retainers, they can't charge one until the baby is born anyway so although it's a good thing to get an idea, if you fall in love with the perfect childminder, you may then wish you hadn't looked as won't be able to officially reserve a space until the baby is born. You never know, if you're lucky you might find a childminder who has a child starting school near the time you need care Good luck.

The childminders we met looked at us a bit strangely for starting to look 6 motnhs before I go back - they seemed to think it was a bit early. That said, there are TONS of childminders here.

Luckily, ours doesn't charge a retainer.

Suppose we're all different but I've had LOADS of enquiries for 6months+ in advance so very normal round here! One reserved a space nearly 6 months in advance and I just said I'd contact her if someone else wanted the space in the meantime and then if she still wanted it reserving, I'd then have to charge a retainer until the space was needed. That was never needed. Of course in the meantime I was pregnant again so felt bad for possibly messing everything up for her but she still came to me and decided she'd sort something for my 12 weeks maternity leave as would rather stick with me. This mindee started over a year ago and everything just fine

Soooo, it really does depend on the individual childminder. Why not ask some if you can pop round for a coffee and a chat about childminding a get a feel for things?

LT - loads of enquiries for anythign would be lovely I have only had 5 enquiries in total in the past 6 months, which according to my cm co ordinator is very good

SSM, that is very good, around my way some minders haven't had any enquiries for over a year and one hasn't had an enquiry for two years.

Sorry forgot to answer op. I'm starting to get enquiries for 4 months time.

It's difficult isn't it. I've been full, desperate for work and worried, full with littlies but struggled with after schoolers and it's only recently I've been full with all age groups but that's taken time. The worst for me is schoolies as I can't compete with the clubs. Luckily I've now got the younger ones who've started or starting at school who would rather continue with me but as I say it took time. I get LOTS of enquiries for under 5's still and have a big waiting list but that's more to do with the fact there is a shortage of childminders but also my reputation has built up now but again, it's a matter of time. If you have lots of childminders in your area then of course it's a lot harder Have you looked at my advertising tips thread? It's in need of being updated but I've had no time.

Hope things pick up soon!

Oh.....sorry for the hijack there

Thanks for your replies. I don't really know what I'm looking for at the moment and I think it will be much easier when I've had the baby for a few months and got to know it, so it's reassuring to know that it's not the norm to book a space years in advance!

There are 5 in my immediate area (within a mile or two) on the childcare link website. Is that a good number?

only 5 means that there is a maximum of 5 under 1 spaces, so not really no

there are around 20 in my immediate area according to cis website

hth

The baby will be just 1 when I go back to work so I don't think I need an under 1 space. How many 1-2s are they allowed?

Childminders are allowed 3 under 5, of which 1 can be under 1. So it will help if your baby is already one when s/he starts. Sounds like you could start having a look around when the baby is six months old or so - enjoy your pregnancy and the first few months of maternity leave first! Good luck - hope you find somebody nice. DD goes to a lovely lovely CM - she was originally full when I got in touch with her, but I went on her waiting list and a space came up a month or so later.

Thanks dustbuster!

Its difficult for you becaues naturally you want to plan ahead. No CMwould take a retainer for a bump and to be honest I have lots of enquiries and take the first person to sign the contract! HOPE ALL GOES WELL WITH YOU.

hiya- where are you living appleandblackberry?