Entrusting the right person to look after your child is an emotionally charged decision that needs to be based not only on your child’s needs, but also what you want for your child.

Susanna Dawson chair of the National Childminding Association and Amanda Coxen, director of Tinies (pictured), talk you through what you need to know:

How can I decide what the best kind of childcare will be for my baby?

This comes down to personal choice by each family. You will need to look at whether you want your child to be cared for alongside other children (so nursery or childminder) or whether you want one-to-one childcare (nanny or mother’s help).

You will also need to consider the hours that you need for childcare. For example, a nanny can provide much longer hours and flexibility than a nursery or childminder can. However, cost will often determine what a family can afford for childcare, with nannies and nurseries for the under one’s being the most expensive option. Though all registered childcare providers allow you to take advantage of financial support, such as Childcare Vouchers or Child Tax Credits.

What’s the difference between childminders, nannies and mother’s helps?

Registered childminders provide childcare for children from birth up to 14 years of age in their own homes. They can usually only care for one child under 1 years and a total of three under fives. They are regulated and cannot care for more than six children, under 8 years, including their own children.

They also deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage just like nurseries but in a home environment. They also have an up to date first aid certificate, have completed a minimum introductory training course and have public liability insurance. They should also have a recent criminal records bureau check and be inspected regularly by Ofsted (www.ofsted.gov.uk).

Nannies do not have to be registered and work from the parents’ home, though there are over 7,000 are registered on the Ofsted Voluntary Childcare Register. Generally a nanny will be trained (but not all are so you need to check) and will have sole charge of your children and will be able to offer them one to one care and attention in the familiar surroundings of your child’s home.

Mother’s helps are unqualified child carers who work alongside a mother, rather than having sole charge of the children. They work well for parents who work from home or parents who work part-time and want housework and childcare combined.

What questions should I ask when interviewing a nanny/childminder?

• Why did they decide to take up childcare?
• Will there be other children in the house, if so how many?
• Will they take your child out and socialise with other children at playgroups and drop-ins?
• Are they a member of the National Childminding Association?
• What training have they done?
• Can they show you their inspection report from Ofsted, First Aid Certificate etc?
• Do they have references from other parents that you can see?

Observe how they react to your child and always go with your instincts. Choosing childcare is a very personal choice, you must give yourself time to find the right one and be prepared to see at least three before making up your mind.

How can I tell if a nursery or pre school is good and safe?

You need to visit the nursery/pre school read the Ofsted Report and preferably rely on other parents’ recommendation. The key to a good nursery is often the Manager, so spend time with him or her, and find out what their approach is to caring for children in their nursery. Also ask for details on staff turnover (often a good indication of how happy a nursery is). Also ask if you can bring your child in for a “taster” and stay with your child and observe.

This way you’ll be able to see whether children are happy and secure and also how clean is the nursery, in particular the changing areas, eating area and toilets. Do ask about how they check about people coming through the door of their nursery and how secure that is, whether there is outside space, and what the food is like.

How can I find details of all the childminders, nurseries and playgroups available in my area?

To find childcare in your area go to www.direct.gov.uk/childcarefinder . Your local FIS (family information service) is a free service for parents of children aged 0 to 19. They can give information and advice on everything from childcare costs to finding childcare. There is an FIS in every local authority. Call 0800 2 346 346 (8.00 am to 8.00 pm weekdays, 9.00 am to 12.00 pm Saturdays) to find your nearest one.

How can I find a nanny/mother’s help?

Ask for recommendations from other parents, look for adverts in child centres and children’s shops, try a reputable nanny and childcare agency.