What clinched the deal when you picked your childminder?

[BeatrixRotter]

I have met with quite a few and have found 2 childminders I would be really happy to leave DD with.

Location wise they are about equal, both loving homes and have good ofsted reports. They both have other children around.

One has a garden and goes to more toddler groups. But she is very expensive.

The other has no garden and does more school runs etc rather than toddler groups. She is in a flat rather than a house and is much cheaper.

I just wondered what clinched it for you? I don't want to make the decision on cost alone although it may come down to that.

I have written refs for parents to see (hard copies plus on my website).. and have my current parents' permission to give their numbers to a prospective client. Very important!

Both times I have had to choose a childminder I have made the decision based on watching DS wander around, playing with the toys, interacting with any other children etc - obviously the CM themselves is important but all the ones I have met have been very nice - so it has just come down to gut feeling. I have also pulled out of a childcare arrangement - with a nursery -becuase it just didn't feel right (this is NOT a dig at nurseries by the way - just this particular one!)

The doing more school runs than playgroups would put me off.

If money is an issue, is it definitely worth you going back to work?

It might not be, I'm waiting to find out what they are paying me.

Hopefully it won't be the deciding factor. I'd rather not go back for some reasons but I'd also like to keepmy hand in the job market and I think a day at work here and there would actually be a break.