The number of registered childminders in England has dropped by more than 4,000 in the past year and by 8,400, or 11.5 per cent, in the past four years. Moreover, according to the inspectorate, the level of good childminding has fallen while the level of inadequate childminding has risen, bucking improvements in general across other childcare settings (see p4).
This is a major cause for concern. Local authorities' childcare sufficiency assessments consistently highlight a demand for flexible childcare that meets the needs of modern families. This means childcare before 8am, after 6pm, overnight and at weekends. Childminders are the best-placed providers of such childcare, so what are the reasons behind the blip in childminding and how can we ensure it doesn't herald a longer-term decline?
One reason for the reduction in numbers is that Ofsted has removed childminders still registered but no longer providing places. But thousands of others have quit, with many said to have abandoned the profession due to increased regulation and paperwork. Ofsted insists there is no evidence to suggest the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the long-awaited curriculum for under-fives that comes into force on 1 September, is responsible for the fall. But looking ahead, EYFS is likely to reinforce the perception of creeping bureaucracy.
In reality, the new curriculum shouldn't present additional burdens on childminders. Its requirement, for instance, to record stages of children's basic development is something any good childminder should be doing already. The knee-jerk reaction to EYFS's arrival will be that providers need to stick rigidly to the curriculum. But all childcare providers should be flexible when interpreting its requirements. Children in the care of childminders pick up important interpersonal and emotional skills and, crucially, they have fun. This spontaneity mustn't be allowed to be squeezed out by a formal curriculum. The first part of the "enjoy and achieve" outcome needs to be upheld.
Local authorities must heed the warning signs in Ofsted's double whammy. Families need childminders but childminders need support, training and resources, for EYFS and beyond. It is imperative if they are to provide quality childcare and remain committed to the cause.
