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The government could struggle to fulfil its promise of 30-hours a week of childcare after the number of childminders in England has fallen to below 43,500, the Alliance has warned.

 

Statistics released by Ofsted show a 24% decline in childminder numbers since August 2012. The figures also show that the number of childminders in England has fallen by 500 between 31 December 2016 and 31 March 2017.

 

Ofsted’s statistics also show that the number of early years settings rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ remains at the record high of 93% - an increase from 74% in August 2012.

 

Neil Leitch, chief executive at the Alliance, said that it was “very positive” to see the number of ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’ settings remaining at an all-time high. He said: “This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of those working in the sector, despite an ongoing lack of financial support from government.”

 

However, he added that it was “incredibly concerning” to see numbers of childminders still in decline. He said: “Childminders are a vital source of quality, flexible early years care and education and yet, every time Ofsted releases new statistics, we see yet another fall in numbers. This is simply not sustainable.”

 

Neil added: “With the implementation of the 30-hour offer imminent, childminders will play a vital role in delivering the flexible childcare that government has promised to parents. The question is, then: why isn’t more being done to address this worrying trend?”