However, it is unclear exactly how the Government will make it easier to become a childminder, a profession that is in continual decline, as well as how the move would reduce childcare fees.
Delivering a speech yesterday on reducing the cost of housing, Johnson said, ‘Over the next few weeks this Government will be setting out reforms to help people cut costs in every area of household expenditure, from food to energy to childcare to transport and housing.
‘We are on your side in cutting the costs of childcare, by making it easier to be a childminder, and making sure parents make the most of their tax-free childcare allowances that already exist but aren’t taken up.
‘All these costs and more we will address in the coming weeks.’
When Nursery World contacted the Department for Education (DfE) for more information it said it is 'looking at how to support childminders and considering flexibility in the way people may be able to spend the Government funding they get to pay for childcare.'
The above ideas are in addition to proposed ratio reform, the DfE spokesperson confirmed.
The PM’s comments come after the children and families minister announced that the government will be consulting with the sector on proposed changes to staff: child ratios before the summer.
The Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY) welcomed the PM’s ambition to support more childminders, but warned that changes to regulation alone will not ‘reverse’ the decline of the childminding workforce.
Chief executive Liz Bayram said, ‘It is key that the Government listens to childminders about what they see as the main barriers facing them to keep their service viable as well as encourage new entrants into the sector.
'Supporting existing childminders to continue to deliver early education and childcare is as important as persuading more people to choose it as a career.
'We need to raise both the profile of childminding and the amount they can earn. When you can earn more in retail than in childcare, something has to change. Many childminders rely on in-work benefits to make ends meet. They are a key part of the solution for families using childcare but they too are struggling.
‘Ultimately, changes to regulation alone will not reverse childminding workforce decline without a long-term strategy that addresses underfunding, low earnings and low morale in the workforce. Until then we will continue to see dedicated professionals leave the sector for more highly paid jobs elsewhere.
‘PACEY has worked hard to ensure childminders are championed equally with others in the sector, and we have made clear that we want to avoid any policy proposals that would lead to childminding portrayed as a “less profession” option.’
