The minister's view: Agencies will be no barrier

Your leader (26 August-8 September) is misleading. We know the current system is not working for childminders. It is needlessly complicated and has led to a decrease in the number of people entering the profession and less choice for parents.

We are making it easier for all good and outstanding providers to access Government funding. Currently, fewer than ten per cent of childminders access free entitlement funding. Our reforms will ensure that up to 70 per cent of all practitioners are able to access the money - ensuring they are treated on par with nurseries and enabling more parents to access high quality care. It is simply wrong to suggest that the introduction of agencies will act as a barrier to this.

The introduction of childminder agencies will be led by the profession, with different models in operation. Agencies will provide a one-stop shop for childminders, giving them access to training, reducing administrative burdens and delivering greater efficiency.

Contrary to the suggestion in Liz Bayram's article, the Government has been clear from the outset that joining an agency would be optional. There was no 'concession' to PACEY. If childminders choose to use an agency, it is for them to decide which agency suits their needs. We trust in the professional judgment of childminders to make these choices for themselves - choices which those who oppose agencies would seek to deny childminders.

Our reforms will enable all childminders to concentrate on what they do best, caring for children, while giving parents greater choice and flexibility with their childcare arrangements.

Elizabeth Truss, Education Minister

Editor's note In PACEY's article, figures quoted for HomeChildcare should have made clear that its current packages cost from £199-599