Ofsted issues revised data on providers and places
Childminder numbers have fallen below 60,000 for the first time, according to the latest Ofsted quarterly statistics, alongside a drop in the number of nurseries.
Figures showing the number of childcare providers and places at the end of September reveal 1,063 fewer nurseries and childminders on the Early Years Register than at the end of June.
There are 59,323 childminders in total, with 58,611 on the EYR.
The figures include revised statistics for places and providers at the end of March and June, after the accuracy of the data was called into question (News, 5 August).
Figures are only collected for providers on the EYR, showing the total number of places available for children aged under eight.
Ofsted said, 'These revisions include changes in the methodology used to calculate the maximum number of childcare places. The places figures have been revised to correct two separate issues. First, inconsistencies only related to a small proportion of providers where changes had been made to their conditions of registration relating to numbers and ages of children they may care for since the EYR was introduced in September 2008.'
Catherine Farrell, National Childminding Association joint chief executive, said, 'NCMA is disappointed that the number of registered childminders is continuing to decline, albeit at a slower rate. We know there are a number of reasons for this, most notably changes to policy and regulatory frameworks and the challenging economic environment.'
There has been a small increase in the number of childminding businesses where more than three childminders work together, categorised by Ofsted as 'childcare on domestic premises'.
The figures also show there are 6,348 nannies, categorised as 'home childcares', who have chosen to join the Voluntary Childcare Register.
