Parents in the UK: has your childminder stopped offering places or closed their business?

Key points

• 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?