The National Childminding Association (NCMA) received more than 2,700 responses to its survey, of which 70 per cent believe lighter regulation of childminders will have a detrimental effect on the quality and safety of care on offer.
Their concerns have been raised following reports that the government is considering changing the model of inspection and regulation of childminders, to fit more closely with the model used in the Netherlands.
Under the Dutch model, childminders are regulated by local parent-led agencies, which train and monitor childminders, not the government or a national inspectorate such as Ofsted.
Catherine Farrell, joint chief executive of the NCMA, said: “Our survey reveals that 85 per cent of respondents believe being regulated and inspected by Ofsted helps them to reassure parents that they are professionals delivering a good quality service.
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