CYP Now - Childminders dub ‘free childcare’ phrase ‘misleading’

Nearly three-quarters of childminders want to see the government stop using the phrase “free childcare” when talking about funded hours offered to families.

Childminders have also called on ministers to engage with those working in the profession before rolling out policies - ADOBE STOCK

In November last year, the previous government announced a major expansion of the scheme which is planned to offer eligible working families with children aged nine months to four years old up to 30 hours of funded childcare per week by September 2025.

A survey of more than 500 childminders by Childminding UK finds that 73% of respondents would like the term “free childcare” changed to reflect payments often requested by providers to supply food and essentials like nappies.

Around 48% of those surveyed requested for the term to be changed to “government supported childcare”, while 46% suggested “subsidised childcare” would be a suitable alternative.

Almost three-quarters of childminders surveyed also supported calls for the reintroduction of children’s centres.

More than 1,000 Sure Start children’s centres, introduced by the last Labour government, closed between 2012 and 2022.

The previous government funded the creation of 75 family hubs in England during the last parliament.

Some 73% of respondents agreed they would welcome a roll out of more new centres, saying it would reduce isolation and encourage networking amongst other childminders.

The survey also finds that children’s centres provide a “safe and stimulating environment” for children’s development.

One of the largest calls from Childminding UK’s survey is for the government to engage more with the early years workforce.

More than 92% of those asked told the organisation that they would value direct engagement from ministers.

Childminding UK states: “Childminders tell us they feel unheard and ignored in policy and think that policy and regulations do not reflect their role as professionals equal to their counterparts in group settings.”

Respondents added that the government “needs to consider their voices” as they roll out the next phase of the funded childcare policy to eligible families.

Childminding UK’s report states: “[With] an unprecedented reduction in childminder numbers and parents being offered more ‘free’ childcare than ever before, careful consideration needs to be taken to ensure the change our new government states is essential.”

Eligible working families of children aged nine months to two years will be entitled to 15 hours of funded care from this month (September).