Steps should also be taken to ensure childminding is not seen as a bolt-on to group childcare in the development of children's centres, says the study of nearly 50 of the National Childminding Association's (NCMA) Children Come First networks.
The research, commissioned by NCMA and funded by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, was carried out by Sue Owen, director of the early childhood unit at the National Children's Bureau.
She said it was important to recognise the positive impact networks had on quality and ensure they were properly funded. "The challenge for government must be to promote robust quality assured networks," added NCMA chief executive Gill Haynes.
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