Nursery World - Budget 2023: Sector disappointed over lack of support for existing childminders as new entrants to receive start-up grant

The sector has broadly welcomed the Budget announcement to boost the number of childminders by introducing start-up grants, however expressed disappointment over a lack of support for those currently in the profession.

Childminding organisations and agencies had hoped for more support for existing childminders within the Chancellor's Budget, PHOTO: Adobe Stock

Yesterday, the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt outlined Government plans to increase the number of childminders, recognising how the profession has been in decline for years, with ‘start-up’ grants of £600 for those who individually register with Ofsted and double that, £1,200, for those that register with a childminding agency. The aim of the grants, which are expected to come in from the autumn, are to support the costs of set-up and ‘grow the childcare market.’

PACEY broadly welcomed the announcement, but said they had also wanted to see ‘far more help for existing childminders who are finding it hard to carry on’.

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