If you're planning to go back to work, even if it's not for a few months, you may find yourself thinking about childcare. It can take a while to find a carer and an arrangement that you're happy with and many nurseries with places for babies have long waiting lists.

Your Choices
There are several different forms of care for your baby:

Formal Care - Childminders, Day Nurseries - Formal care should be registered and inspected anually by your local council's Early Years service. In the near future, the inspection and registration will be done by specialist teams from Ofsted.

Informal Care - Nannies, Family, Babysitters - Informal care is done in your own home and is not subject to any regulations.

Getting Information
Every local council has it's own Early Years Education and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP) which are developing local plans to promote and develop childcare and education. Part of this process involves setting up information services about childcare options. You can get local information from your council, childcare information shops or libraries. Your health visitor should know the best place to get information nearest to you.

Did You Know?

Working parents - that's both mums and dads - who've had a baby or have adopted a child since 15th December 1999, are each entitled to 13 weeks unpaid parental leave to be taken at any time before their child is 5. Parental Leave Enquiry Line is (020) 7215 6207.

Costs
Childminding or nursery-based childcare can cost up to about £150 a week. Working Families Tax Credit means that families with low income and one child in registered childcare can now benefit from a childcare tax credit. Families with two children earning a little more may also benefit.

The tax credit does not apply to informal care (but after school and holiday care for older children in some provision does qualify). You can call the Working Families Tax Credit helpline for more information (0800 597 5976).

Questions To Ask
Ask these questions when you visit possible childcarers:

• How long have you been working with children?
• Have you done any training?
• What other children will be with my baby?
• Do you operate a keyworker scheme? (Nurseries only)
• How do you spend the day?
• Where will my baby rest?
• Do you make outside visits and trips?
• What sort of meals do you give?
• Can I see your registration certificate and inspection report?
• How will we exchange information about my baby's progress?