The call to action was made in the National Childminding Association's (NCMA's) manifesto, published yesterday. It also calls for more investment in training, qualifications and local childminding networks.
Childminders can only provide government-funded childcare for three- and four-year-olds if they are registered and belong to a local childminding network. But many local authorities still do not have a childminding network in place. In other areas the networks do not have the capacity to meet demand from local childminders.
"Registered childminders and nannies have made great progress over the past decade, increasing their professionalism and skills as well as working in partnership with children's centres, extended schools and other agencies," said NCMA joint-chief executive Catherine Farrell. "Their role in providing high quality childcare needs to be recognised by politicians, before and after the election."
The government is currently developing a new model for childminding networks, in partnership with the NCMA, which will allow more childminders to be registered. The NCMA has also received government funding to consult with every local authority about what they are doing to develop and promote networks.
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