The annual survey of more than 1,000 NCMA members found that 86 per cent had undertaken training in the past 12 months, an increase from 73 per cent since 2008, which the report said could be attributed to the introduction of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
The number of NCMA members holding a level three qualification has also increased.
The study found that nearly half of NCMA members are part of a formal childminding network or quality assurance scheme, and of these, 26 per cent belong to a local authority-run network.
The number caring for more than ten children had risen from 6 per cent in 2008 to 10 per cent in 2009.
Other key findings include:
- Nearly two-thirds of respondents were filling vacancies through partnerships or referrals from other childcare providers or family services, with 53 per cent filling vacancies through children's centres or extended schools.
- The majority of childminders were flexible in the care they offer. Most had provided or would offer childcare during summer holidays.
- Nearly 46 per cent were working a 40-hour week.
- Of all respondents, 15 per cent were providing the free early years entitlement.
NCMA joint chief executive of NCMA Andrew Fletcher said, 'Childminders need more support to gain further qualifications if they are to meet the Government's aspiration of all childcare providers reaching level three by 2015.
'Key to this continuing professional development is the availability of quality improvement networks, and NCMA is encouraged that the Government is considering making networks a statutory requirement in all local authority areas. This will enable childminders to access support and training and to offer the flexible early education entitlement.'
At the DCSF, children's minister Delyth Morgan said, 'I am very pleased to see the report's positive finding that childminders continue to enhance their skills and training. I want all childminders to benefit from well-structured career development and progression opportunities. The Government is committed to making sure early years provision is a public service of the highest quality. Childminders are an established part of early years services and the childcarers of choice for thousands of families.
'The Government is continuing to work with the NCMA and other partners to develop new networking approaches and models for childminders to access the free entitlement, and other funding, to enhance their skills and the quality of the service they offer.'
Further information: www.ncma.org.uk.
