The inspectorate's early years statistics show that at the end of December last year there were 39,700 registered childminders in England, down by 1,000 on figures for the end of August. This is a three per cent fall and represents a rate of 8.2 childminders leaving a day.
Since September 2015, the number of registered childminders has dropped by 8,200 (17 per cent).
Early years groups say lack of funding is a key reason for the exodus and why so few people are looking to take up a childminding role.
A particular concern is the government's decision to axe childcare business grants at the end of this month.
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