Draw Up a Shortlist
To save time, screen possible childcare providers by phone. Ask the following questions:

• What are the opening hours?
• What are the fees?
• Will there be a place when you need it?
• can children under two attend?

Visit
Make appointments to visit two or three childcare providers. Watch how the children are behaving; if they seem happy, calm yet busy. Take your baby with you so you can see how the childcarers relate to her.

Make a Decision
Before making the final decision, take up at least two references. Ask for the names of parents who've used the service and talk to them about their experiences.

Confirm Your Decision
Confirm the details of the arrangement such as hours, pay and conditions and how to keep the place booked until you start.

Agree a Contract
This should cover the retainer fee, arrangements for sickness, holiday pay, hours and days of attendance, amount you will pay, who buys nappies, milk and food, arrangements for health checks and immunisations.