I'm probably not giving away any secrets when I say that Louise Hulton, the regular columnist on this page, is now on maternity leave.

Like many women, she will be looking ahead to the time when she returns to work. A generation back, parents could draw on an extended family for help with childcare but now that grandparents are as likely to be trekking to India as waiting arms outstretched to take on grandchildren, that is rarely an option.

So what are the options for parents such as Louise who are planning to return to work in a matter of weeks or months?

Childcare has changed radically. No longer is it just about keeping children safe and healthy (important though that is). It now links inextricably with early education: learning by doing.

Play and education are inseparable, be it playing with water (science), a visit to the shops (reading or counting) or building with cardboard boxes (manual skills).

So how do you make the best childcare choice for your child?

You might want a nursery that is en route to work. Possibly your child has a disability, an allergy or is very shy. There are many different things to consider The first step is to contact the Childcare Information Service (Kites is one of almost 150 nationally), which can do the initial research for you. You can then look seriously at the available options. Supposing, for example, you want a nursery, what should you look for? The answer is to draw up a shortlist and visit several, armed with a list of questions such as:

Are the staff welcoming?

Are Ofsted reports (where appropriate) on view?

How do they communicate with parents?

Is there one person (a key- worker) with particular responsibility for your child?

At the same time, put yourself in your child's position:

Can I see out of the windows, reach the door handles and see my pictures on the wall or are they all there for grown-ups?

Will people talk to me and listen to what I say?

Will they cuddle me when I'm sad?

Are there lots of different things to do?

Preparation is all, but instinct is a deciding factor. You will know when you walk in if it is right for your child.