In June 2008, the BBC reported that the number of registered childminders in England and Wales has fallen by 11.5% since its peak in June 2004.   The latest figures, from Ofsted show that the total number of childminders fell by 8,400 over the period.

In 2001, Ofsted took over the role of regulator for childminders from local authorities – a change in regulation that has gradually seen a harmonisation in standards between all types of childcare settings.  The process it seems has reached its fulfilment with the introduction of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which was launched by the government in March 2007.  The main gripe of childminders seems to be that whilst nurseries have additional staff to enable paperwork to be kept up to date, where childminders are generally self employed sole traders and therefore do not have the time.  For their part, Ofsted state that they have no evidence to suggest that the EYFS is the reason behind the dramatic decrease in the number of registered childminders.  Other reasons given include lack of demand, pregnancy and career change.

To read the full text of the BBC article click here.