The latest data on childcare providers and places, reveals a net decrease of 840 childminders, from 54,778 to 53,938 from March this year until the end of September.
The declining number of childminders led to a reduction in the number of places available for children, with a loss of 3,608 places from 277,422 to 273,814 during the same period.
An Ofsted spokesman said the latest figures reflect a steady decline in the number of providers and places, which has been happening since the introduction of the Early Years Foundation Stage in 2008.
Liz Bayram, chief executive of the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (Pacey), wants greater support to be given to existing childminders, as well as to those interested in joining the profession.
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