Recent data from Ofsted highlights a concerning decline in the number of childminders in England, with over 1,000 leaving the sector between August 2023 and 2024. This reduction brings the total number of childminders to just 26,000, exacerbating childcare shortages nationwide.

The closure of a major childminder agency contributed significantly to the decline, alongside long-standing challenges such as low earnings, administrative burdens, and limited support. Experts stress the urgent need for sustainable solutions to retain childminders, including funding reforms and enhanced support networks.

Efforts to stabilise the sector must address these systemic issues to ensure high-quality, accessible childcare remains available for families across the country.

For more details, read the full article on Nursery World.