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The latest early years dataset from Ofsted has shown an increase in the proportion of providers achieving ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ ratings from 86% to 91%, as at 31 August this year.

 

Neil Leitch, chief executive at the Pre-school Learning Alliance, said that it was positive and impressive to see this increase.

 

“In light of , it’s particularly important that we continue to recognise and celebrate the fact that the vast majority of nurseries, pre-schools and childminders are delivering high-quality learning opportunities in positive, safe environments,” he said.

 

“At a time of continued underfunding and limited practical support, these statistics are a reflection of the hard work and dedication of practitioners across the country, and the sector should be rightly proud of this achievement.”

 

However, the data also showed a further drop in the number of childminders, with 22% less childminders than on 31 August 2012.

 

Neil said that this is incredibly concerning and highlighted the crucial source of quality, flexible provision that childminders offer.

 

“We are surprised and disappointed at the lack of action taken by government to try and tackle this trend. With only eight childminder agencies registered after two years, it is clear that this initiative is a damp squib and has done nothing to stem the flow of childminders exiting the sector,” he said.

 

“The Department for Education must look to address this as a matter of priority – now more than ever, we cannot afford to be losing quality, experienced practitioners from the workforce.”