Ofsted said that the childcare in nurseries and pre-schools was slightly better on average than provision by childminders, but that in deprived areas the difference was more marked.
Just 52 per cent of childminders in the most deprived areas were rated good or outstanding, compared with 71 per cent of those working in the least deprived areas.
The report said, 'The crucial importance of early development in a child's chances of later success is now well understood. The comparative weakness of childminders and childcare settings in the most deprived areas regarding building children's skills for the future is therefore a concern.'
However, the report said many providers, including childminders, did provide good or outstanding childcare in very deprived areas. This provision was characterised by providers putting children and their families first, showing a deep understanding of the needs of the communities they are in and an excellent understanding of the EYFS and child development.
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