Ofsted’s latest figures on ‘Childcare providers and inspections’ show that as of 31 December 2016 there were 43,956 childminders, down from 44,686 four months prior on 31 August (including childminders not on the early years register).
This is a fall of nearly a quarter in the number of childminders (23 per cent) since 31 August 2012.
Ofsted said the large decrease in childminder numbers over time was mainly driven by fewer childminders joining the sector. The number leaving the sector has remained broadly constant.
In the last four months, there were 1,449 joiners and 2,179 leavers.
The latest statistics also show there was a slight fall in the number of nurseries between 31 August and 31 December 2016 from 24,483 to 24,456, a loss of 27 settings.
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