Alliance comments on fall in childminder numbers

23rd May 2014

Commenting on new аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø¿ª½± figures, which revealed a net decline of over 2000 childminders between September 2013 and March 2014, Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Alliance, said:

It’s very concerning to see such a significant net reduction in the number of childminders over a relatively short period of time.

These declines are clearly a result of poor policy-making, which has created a feeling of real uncertainly and instability within the childminding sector. We know that many childminders feel that government plans to encourage schools to offer more out-of-hours care and, additionally, to raise the threshold for ‘informal care’ to three hours, have not only undermined their role within the early sector, but also pose real threat to the sustainability of their businesses.

Add to this the fact that the Department for Education has seen fit to proceed with the introduction of childminder agencies despite almost universal opposition, and it is clear why so many are opting to leave the sector.

If the government doesn’t start engaging properly with childminders, and recognising the pivotal role they play in the provision of high-quality care and education, this trend is likely to continue.

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Notes for editors

  1. The latest Registered childcare providers and places in England statistics, reveals that the total number of registered childminders fell from 53,938 to 51,789 between September 2013 and March 2014, a loss of 2,149 in total. .
  2. The Pre-school Learning Alliance is the largest voluntary sector provider of quality affordable childcare and education in England.
  3. Through direct provision and its membership of 14,000 nurseries, sessional pre-schools and parent and toddler groups, the Alliance supports over 800,000 children and their families in England. The Alliance also develops and runs family learning programmes, offers information and advice, runs acclaimed training and accreditation programmes and campaigns to influence early years policy and practice.
  4. For information about the Pre-school Learning Alliance, visit our website:

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