Updated October 21, 2026
How families usually find childminders
People commonly start with their immediate networks - family, neighbours and other parents. Local community groups and parent-run online groups are frequent sources of recommendations because they let you follow up with people whose children have already been in care.
Online listings and marketplaces are also used to broaden the search beyond personal contacts. These let you filter by location, service type and availability and often show photographs and service descriptions so you can shortlist candidates before contacting them.
- Ask parents in playgrounds, school groups or community centres for recent experiences
- Use local online groups for leads, then follow up for references and details
- Search listing sites to compare services, opening hours and basic policies
Checks to do before you meet
Before a first meeting, verify basic safety and suitability. Confirm identity and ask for references. If a provider claims any formal registration, note the exact name of the registration or scheme so you can verify it separately.
Arrange to see the space where your child will be cared for. A visual check will show how organised the setting is, how toys and equipment are stored, and whether basic safety measures are in place.
- Confirm two referees and speak to them about punctuality, reliability and how the child settled in
- Check that the care location is suitable - indoor and outdoor space, safe storage of hazards
- Ask about supervision, sleeping arrangements and how emergencies are handled
Questions to ask before agreeing
Prepare specific questions that reflect your child’s needs and your household routines. Ask about daily routines, food and sleep arrangements, handling of illnesses, and how the carer communicates with parents during the day.
Clarify practical policies - hours, notice for changes, late pickups, and whether they do outings or school drop-offs. Get a clear statement on what is included in any quoted hourly or daily rate and how extra costs are handled.
- What are your usual hours and how flexible are they?
- How do you handle sick children and when would you ask a child to stay home?
- Do you have current first aid training and how often is it renewed?
- How do you communicate during the day - text, calls, photos?
Australian registrations and standards to check
In Australia, some childminders operate as family day care educators and are often registered with a state or territory family day care scheme. Early childhood services are also assessed under the National Quality Framework, which is administered nationally. If a provider says they are part of a scheme or rated under the framework, note the exact wording so you can verify it.
Also check for background checks and safety training. Many families expect carers to hold a current Working With Children Check or equivalent, and to have up-to-date first aid, anaphylaxis and asthma training. Check whether the provider accepts government childcare fee assistance if that is relevant to you.
- Ask whether the carer is registered with a family day care scheme or approved under a recognised quality framework
- Confirm they have a current Working With Children Check or state equivalent
- Request evidence of recent first aid, anaphylaxis and asthma training
Practical points on quotes and payment
Quotes can be given as hourly, daily or a block of days. Ask for a written breakdown so you know what is included and what is extra. Many carers will quote differently for regular ongoing care versus occasional babysitting.
Payment methods vary by provider. Common options include bank transfer, card payment or cash. If you use an online marketplace or booking platform, check how payments are processed and when the provider receives payment.
- Get written confirmation of the rate, any extras and what notice is required for cancellations
- Agree a preferred payment method and when payment is due
- Ask about receipts or invoices for your records and for any subsidy purposes
How a Websta profile helps you compare providers
A Websta profile appears like a small website with services, photos, a contact form and online booking. That structure makes it easier to compare several providers side by side on practical points - services offered, photos of the setting, stated ages they care for, and basic policies. Use those profiles to shortlist candidates for calls or visits.
Profiles may include provider-stated prices and availability where provided by the carer. Some listings on platforms may be created from public records in other markets and carry a notice that the person can claim or remove the page, so always confirm current details directly with the carer before making arrangements.
- Use the contact form or booking link to ask identical questions of several providers for a fair comparison
- Compare photos and service lists to check fit for your child’s age and interests
- Follow up any registrations or claims made on a profile by asking for proof
Frequently asked questions
- Do childminders in Australia need a registration or licence?
- Requirements differ by state and by whether the carer operates privately or through a family day care scheme. Ask the provider what registrations they hold and verify the exact scheme name or approval before relying on it.
- What checks should I always see before leaving my child?
- Ask for identity and referee contacts, evidence of a current Working With Children Check or state equivalent, and confirmation of first aid training. Visit the care setting and check basic safety measures in person.
- Can I use government childcare subsidies with a childminder?
- Some family day care educators and approved providers participate in government fee assistance schemes. If you plan to use a subsidy, ask the provider whether they are approved and how they handle attendance records and billing.
- How should I handle a trial period?
- Arrange a short trial day or morning and agree in advance on hours, payment for the trial, and how you will assess whether the arrangement should continue. Use the trial to observe routines, communication and how your child responds.
About the numbers
Counts in this guide were read from the Websta catalogue when the text was written and are refreshed above from the live catalogue. Part of the catalogue was built from the public business register and is marked as such on each profile.
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