The inspectorate has revealed that between the end of March and end of August this year there were 752 fewer registered childminders.
This is a fall of two per cent over the five month period and brings the total number of childminders to have left the profession since the end of August 2012 to 14,669, a fall of 26 per cent.
At the end of August this year childminders offered 20 per cent of all childcare places, amounting to 253,900 places, which is two percentage points down on August 2012's figures.
Pre-school Learning Alliance chief executive Neil Leitch said he is concerned about the continued exodus of childminders from the early years sector, especially as more places are needed to deliver the 30 hours per week free childcare offer for three- and four-year-olds.
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