Choosing the Best for your Child is a new publication from Barnardo's, aimed at parents seeking childcare. The booklet highlights the regulations governing childcare and outlines the various types of provision, from minders to creches - with guidelines on deciding what best meets your child's needs.

There are tips on what to look out for, what to insist on and what to ask about when you go looking. Choosing the Best for your Child is available through the National Children's Resource Centre, Christ Church Square, Dublin 8 (tel: (01) 454 9699). Send £2 and a stamped addressed envelope. Barnardo's also recently opened a new resource centre in Cork, with information officer Marian Kelly. It's at 18 St Patrick's Hill, Cork (tel: (021) 552000).