What mums say about childcare

The first thing to do is ask your friends for recommendations. Always go on a visit, if possible, and make sure you and your child are both made to feel welcome and you feel comfortable. Don’t forget to ask to see references and don’t be afraid to phone and speak to the referees. Trial and error is often the only way, as all children are different; just go with someone who makes your wee one happy.
- Emma

When my son was six months, I worked part time and my sister-in-law looked after him for me for a small fee. I liked that because he wasn’t going to a stranger, so I didn’t feel like I was abandoning him since he was with family.
- Michelle, Rochester, mum to Harry, 3 and Charlie, 16 months


Useful links
www.netmums.com – a network of local sites providing information and support to parents.  Each local site has a childcare board for parents to use to find childcare as well as allowing childcarers to advertise their services.  There are also listings of local nurseries with comments from parents whose children have attended.

www.childcarelink.gov.uk - the Government website providing links to local Children's Information Services.