To be honest, initially I was just looking for a space (I left it a bit late..) with a woman who liked kids :-)
So, I had no real desires (other than making sure tv was limited) so, my list is based on what I got (and 3 years later, I'll be sending DS2 there, so I'm very happy with my cm).
DS wasn't a 'cot napper' and CM would push him buggy to get him to nap, or sometimes he'd ask to sit on her lap, he's been known to nap for an hour on her nap in the local cafe...
My CM is very hands on, into cuddling, reassuring - this is important to me
CM arranged play dates almost every morning (if one wasn't arranged, they attended local group) so he got loads of social contact with other kids aged 4 and under. CM and other CMs in our town get together and hired a local hall several mornings a week for this - I love this as it meant that starting playgroup, my son (who was shy) knew a good number of the other kids from the start.
I provide his lunches and snacks, but he's veggie so I'm happy for this.
She's used reusable nappies and was also great at getting him potty trained too :-)
Very flexible, I don't drive and rely on public transport and she's always willing to hold on to him for as long as I need and has taken him for extra afternoons etc when required (if I give her notice).
Lovely big garden with lots of garden toys (sand/water, sit in cars, trampoline etc) They do lots of craft stuff, but also more basic things like filling the kitchen sink with water and splashing about, she doesn't 'force' the kids to do stuff, sometimes my son will play with toys if the others are doing painting (if he's not in the mood).
Lots of feedback on his day.
I love my childminder :-D