A survey of almost 2,000 early years professionals across England by the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (Pacey) found childminders are being "overlooked" by parents and councils for government-funded childcare places.
The survey found that 60.5 per cent of childminders offer funded places for three- and four-year-olds, but 38.4 per cent do not.
When practitioners were asked why they are not offering funded places, nearly half (49 per cent) said it was because no parent had asked for a place. Pacey says this indicates a "worrying lack of demand from parents".
Pacey chief executive Liz Bayram said: "There are frequent reports that parents can't find the childcare they need, yet our research shows childminding has the capacity to be a significant part of the solution.
"Childminders could deliver more funded places, but many parents don't know they can access funding from a childminder."
She called on councils to do more to promote childminders among parents looking for funded provision. And she wants government to improve the hourly funding rate, which 52 per cent of childminders told Pacey was a reason for not offering funded places.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
