By Jenny Byrne, mother and former editor of a Parenting Magazine.

One thing that will surely make or break a mother's return to work is the knowledge that her child is safe and happy with whoever is looking after them in her absence.

Why choose a childminder

"Childminders invariably live close to your home and parents can be comforted knowing their child is only a few minutes away."

People choose childminders over other types of childcare for a variety of reasons:

• Childminders are less expensive than nannies, and generally charge by the hour. Nannies charge by the day but as an hourly rate they're more expensive.

• Some parents prefer their children to be in the company of other children and chances are if they're a first child or have older siblings at school, your child may not see that many other children their own age if cared for by a nanny.

• For some parents working from home, having a little one under the same roof can be a distraction.

• Childminders invariably live close to your home and parents can be comforted knowing their child is only a few minutes away.

• Another benefit is the continuity of cover they provide. While many nannies rarely stay in a job longer than a few years, a childminder, generally a local mum herself, could care for your child on your return to work and stay with her until school age. She may even collect her from school and provide after-school care.

What to consider in your search

Remember that when you hand over your child to the minder, you're allowing her to look after her in the best way she knows how. You may not always agree on everything, such as the amount of TV they allow, but it's important you both agree on issues central to your child's wellbeing: safety, cleanliness, rest, discipline and most important, how she relates to your child.

Questions to ask at the interview

Things to consider include:

• where will my child be spending the day (ask to see play rooms, kitchen, garden and sleeping arrangements),

• what will my child be doing throughout the day - in terms of play, games, watching TV etc,

• what play equipment and materials are used,

• her attitude to bringing up children in terms of setting limits to behaviour and smacking,

• her training and experience,

• what safety equipment is used e.g. stairgate, fireguard, car restraints,

• details of her council registration and insurances (public liability and car),

• her expectations about providing nappies, food, playgroup fees,

• arrangements when children are ill,

• how many other children are being minded and their ages,

• does her home look clean and safe.

Fees

There is no national rate for childminders. Fees are a matter of negotiation between parents and childminders and will vary depending on each agreement, geographical location and facilities that your childminder provides. Unlike nannies, childminders are responsible for their own tax and NI. Some minders expect parents to supply food and drink for the child, so their time is not diverted from care and onto cooking!

The law

Once a year childminders get a visit from the local authority - it's responsible for registering her, so make sure the person you choose is on the approved council list. Social services and the police check her and all adults living in the house. Spot checks are also conducted throughout the year. You're entitled to see her registration certificate if you'd like to.

Councils lay down rules about the numbers of children allowed to be minded per registered adult. The recommended ratios are 1:3 for children under five; 1:6 for children aged five to seven and 1:6 for children under eight, of whom no more than three are under five.

How to find a childminder

• Start by asking your local authority for a list of registered minders. There may be a childminder's representative on the list. Ring her first as she'll generally know who has vacancies on the list, and this will save you making a lot of unnecessary phone calls.

• Word of mouth is another way, as this will generally involve some personal recommendation. Some minders also put up informal ads on noticeboards at schools, supermarkets or in local shops.