The downward trend has prompted early years groups to call for urgent government action to stem the losses.
Since August 2015, the number of registered childminders has dropped by 9,000 (19 per cent), according to the inspectorate's early years statistics.
The data shows there were 39,000 registered childminders at the end of March, down by 800 (two per cent) on the same period last year.
In the first three months of this year, 1,300 childminders left the childcare sector and just 500 joined.
The number of joiners is also slowing - it is lower than the same period over the previous three years.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
