Big fall in number of childminders and nursery places

The number of places fell from 1,321,144 to 1,309,856 between 31 December 2009 and 31 March. The figures show that there are 248 fewer nurseries: while 481 nurseries opened, 729 early years settings closed.

The statistics, Registered childcare providers and places in England, March 2010, also show that the number of childminders is continuing to fall, with more leaving than joining the sector. During the same time period 2,603 childminders ceased to be registered with Ofsted as childminders, while 1,686 new childminders were registered.

Overall, this means that there are 917 fewer childminders than at the end of 2009.

The National Childminding Association said it would be investigating why numbers were falling by asking former childminders why they have chosen to leave the job.

Ian Marratt, interim director of Communications, said, ‘NCMA is pleased to see the number of nannies registering is continuing to rise, but what is worrying is that registered childminder numbers are continuing to decline. NCMA will be monitoring the situation closely and will be getting feedback from former childminders as to why they have left the profession. It is encouraging is that, although overall the number of practising childminders is falling, over 1,600 new childminders have chosen to join the profession this quarter’.

Michael Freeston, director of Quality Improvement at the Pre-school Learning Alliance, said,  ‘Comparing this data against the March 2009 figures, the number of non-domestic childcare providers has gone down by 638 and places by nearly 24,000, so this situation will need to be monitored closely over time.' 

‘The figures should be viewed in the light of the recent Laing Buisson nursery market survey, which forecast the sector is recovering from the worst of the recessionary impact and should see gradual improvement in occupancy levels over the next five years. (News, 1 April).