Childminder networks proliferating

The Childminder Networks Census was carried out by BMRB Social Research to find out how childminding networks operate. Interviews were conducted with 139 of the 150 local authorities in England.

Findings showed that there were 337 formal networks in these areas, with an average of 2.4 networks per local authority.

National Childminding Association chief executive Gill Haynes said, 'It is fantastic to see the vast majority of England's local authorities recognise the value of and continue to invest in formal childminding networks, with many supporting informal groups too.'

The fact that 58 per cent of formal networks were approved by the NCMA's Children Come First quality assurance scheme meant that authorities recognised quality assurance as key to a network supporting registered childminders to deliver a quality service, she said.

However, she said she was concerned that a minority of local authorities did not have a formal childminding network and that around 40 per cent did not have a quality assured network.

The report also said that there was a need to help local authorities and networks find 'more imaginative sources of ongoing funding for long term sustainability', as they tended to rely solely on the Childcare Grant and Sure Start funding.

The NCMA estimates that 2,500 networks will be needed by 2015 to link up with every children's centre.

The Census can be downloaded at www.dfes.gov.uk/research/ programmeofresearch/index.cfm?type=5.