Parents in the UK: has your childminder stopped offering places or closed their business?
The number of childminders in England has roughly halved over the past decade, with many citing rising costs, low pay and increasing paperwork as reasons
The number of childminders in England has roughly halved over the past decade, with many citing rising costs, low pay and increasing paperwork as reasons for leaving the profession. Campaigners warn the decline is making it harder for families to find flexible and affordable childcare. We want to hear from parents and carers whose childminder has recently closed their business, stopped accepting certain age groups such those over three-year-olds or reduced the number of children they look after. How did it affect your family? Did you struggle to find alternative childcare? Have you been forced to move your child into a nursery setting despite feeling they were better suited to a smaller, home-from-home environment?
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Tell us a bit about yourself (e.g. age, background, what you do) Optional How did losing your childminder affect your family? Please include as much detail as possible. If you are happy to, please upload a photo of yourself here Optional Please note, the maximum file size is 5.7 MB. Choose file Can we publish your response? Yes, entirely Yes, but contact me first Yes, but please keep me anonymous No, this is information only Phone number Optional Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. Email address Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information.
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