Ministers said they would streamline the Ofsted registration process for providers and that it would encourage the growth of Childminder Agencies (CMAs).
The consultation proposals include allowing childminders to care for a fourth child under the age of five, providing one is either a sibling of another child they care for, or their own child, while continuing to only allow childminders to care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight.
Launched in 2013, CMAs have so far failed to take off, with just six currently registered with Ofsted.
Despite this, ministers claim they could ‘ultimately become major players in the childcare market – stimulating competition and driving down costs while providing parents with more options for care.’
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