Provision
Childminder numbers up in consecutive quarters
There has been a small rise of just under 1 per cent in the number of childcare providers in the early years sector registered with Ofsted.
However, while the number of childminders has increased for the second time this year, the number of nurseries has dropped slightly. The total number of places offered by early years providers is 1,304,875 - a rise of 4,098 childcare places.
The Registered Childcare Providers and Places statistics for 30 March to 30 June show that there are now 455 more childminders registered with Ofsted on the Early Years Register than in the previous quarter.
The figure reflects the fact that the number of childminders joining the profession was greater than those leaving it, with 2,143 childminders joining and 1,688 leaving.
There are now 56,796 childminders caring for children from birth to age five, a rise of 0.8 per cent on the previous quarter. The total number of places offered by childminders has risen by 2,859 to 278,278.
The total number of providers on the Early Years Register rose by 0.5 per cent from 82,699 at the end of March to 83,086. However, the number of nurseries - categorised by Ofsted as childcare on non-domestic premises - fell by 0.3 per cent, equivalent to the closure of 79 nurseries.
The figures show a lot of movement in the sector, with 593 nurseries opening and 672 nurseries closing during the past three months. Despite the fall, the number of places they provided rose by 955, suggesting that existing nurseries are increasing their registrations.
The National Childminding Association said the rise in the number of registered childminders in England for the third consecutive quarter showed encouraging signs for the wider sector. NCMA chief executive Catherine Farrell said, 'The rise in the number of registered childminders is very pleasing and builds further on the slight increase reported in the first quarter of 2011. We are very encouraged by the results and, while early days, it is an indication that the profession is responding well in this difficult economic climate.'
She added, 'There is also a continued increase in the number of registered childminders achieving good or outstanding Ofsted results, rising to 74 per cent this year (NCMA members). These results are an indication of growing professionalism.'
