10 tips to help you choose childcare

Do

• ask for at least two references from other parents and follow them up
• prepare questions for your visit
• organise a settling in period for your child before you go back to work
• encourage your home-based carer to start a network of friends with children
• equip a nanny to provide interesting play for the child - sand, paint, clay or dough and aprons for her and the child and show her local parks and children’s services
• express your appreciation to your child’s carers
• investigate further if your child appears unhappy with her childcarer or if she is not thriving. Acknowledge her feelings and seek advice from the childcarer or your health visitor or Under Eights Advisor in the local authority.

• forget looking after your child is a demanding and vitally important job
• ignore a child’s difficulties if she seems unhappy
• skimp on pay and conditions if you want to hold on to your nanny or childminder

For information about childcare in your area see Childcare Link website.

Chat about choosing childcare on the Working Mums messageboard.