Examining the challenges and benefits of childminding in England

This project will explore the benefits and challenges of working as a childminder and investigate the evidence-base about the impact of childminding and characteristics that inform high quality practice.

Why this project is important

Childminders provide 11% of childcare places and constitute 9% of the early years workforce. However, the number of childminders in England is rapidly declining, falling by 50% from 56,200 in 2013 to 27,900 in 2023. Furthermore, 64% of childminders are reporting reductions in income and over a fifth are considering leaving the sector.  At the same time, the Government is expanding funded early education entitlements for children from 9 months of age, increasing the demand for childcare places.

This mixed methods study seeks to better understand and mitigate the decline in childminder numbers, with the aim of informing policy makers how to recruit and retain childminders and improve their working conditions.

What it will involve

The research will involve:

1. A rapid evidence assessment of the impacts of childminding on children’s development and attainment, relative to other types of early years provision.
2. A nationally representative survey of childminders in England followed by in-depth interviews with a stratified sample from the survey respondents.
3. Interviews with parents, including those using childminders and those using other types of provision. The purpose of the survey and interviews with both childminders and parents is to understand their views about the benefits and challenges of childminding, whether childminders are considering leaving the profession, and what factors could support them to stay.
4. Workshops with childminders and meetings with policymakers and other stakeholders to explore the findings from the previous two stages and co-produce recommendations for policy and practice about improvements in working conditions and how to aid recruitment and retention.

How it will make a difference

The project aligns with the new government’s stated mission on early intervention and childcare to improve life chances for every child. Evidence-informed policy briefs, infographics, briefing sessions with policy makers, workshops, and academic papers will be used to disseminate the findings.