What can be done to stop the numbers of childminders continuing to fall? Our news story this week (page 4) shows the steep decline over the past few years, and the drop seems likely to continue unless national and local government give more support to this part of the early years sector.
There was a smaller exodus of childminders when Ofsted took over inspection and regulation and the relative professionalisation of childminding began. But this section of the childcare workforce seemed to emerge stronger and better equipped to provide a quality service.
Now, however, there appears to be a more fundamental schism between those childminders happy to work with the Early Years Foundation Stage, and those who believe that it compromises the very nature of the service they want and feel able to offer. Comments on our website forum and elsewhere reveal significant numbers leaving or threatening to leave the job.
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