How will new statutory regulations affect childminders?
In September, a new framework governing childminders comes into effect. The regulations in the Early Years Foundation Stage aim to set new standards for learning, development and care for all children placed with minders. But numbers of registered childminders have been falling since Ofsted began compiling figures in 2003. Will the increased professionalisation of the sector, marked by the introduction of new standards, drive established childminders out of the market? Jane discusses the issues with Liz Bayram, executive director of the National Childminders’ Association and Kate Mason, a childminder herself, who co-ordinates a network of childminders in her local area.
