We have found that childminders do indeed seem to be the cinderellas of the childcare sector (Special Report, 16 November).
We work exceedingly long hours for less than the minimum wage. This never seems to be mentioned when the high cost of childcare is discussed. But we do this work because we feel we have something special to offer families.
I regularly attended training courses while I was employed in the nursery school. We are still offered courses, but they are held at times when childminders simply cannot be free. In school, cover was easily arranged, with the children accepting that an unfamiliar face would appear from time to time. As childminders, with close and trusting relationships with the children, it is not reasonable to buy-in cover in order to attend courses.
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