Nursery World - Children's centres give little say to childminders they work with, says NCMA

More children's centres are working with childminders, but often in superficial relationships that give childminders no real say in the organisation, according to a survey.

The National Childminding Association survey found there has been a 2 per cent rise in the number of centres working with childminders from the previous year, with nine out of ten centres reporting some level of engagement.

The survey looked at whether childminders were involved in the formal organisation of children's centres alongside other staff. It found that only 15 per cent involved childminders in meetings with centre staff, while 20 per cent of centres invited childminders to meetings with other stakeholders. Childminders were given a role on the management board in 17 per cent of centres.

Andrew Fletcher, joint chief executive of the NCMA, said the report contained a 'number of encouraging findings'.

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