Childminders experienced the largest decline in the overall number of providers, in line with a downward trend in the number of registered childminders since the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (EYSF) was introduced in 2008, the inspectorate says.
Childminder numbers decreased by 4,060 this year, while the number of nurseries registered with Ofsted dropped by 320, according to the report.
The report suggests that the reduction in childminders may be partially due to lack of demand, with more parents working from home following the pandemic.
Ofsted adds that the early years sector is “competing with, and losing out to, higher paid or more flexible employment”, which is worsening the ongoing recruitment and retention challenges facing providers.
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