Children’s centres and extended schools are a threat to childminders?
The expansion of childcare provision is bound to have an impact on the way that childminders operate. There are two key issues, good planning, and partnership working. The Government expects LAs to look at what childcare provision already exists in the area and complement it, not replace it. Local partners must focus on the joining up of existing good quality provision from all sectors. Partnership working between childminders, children’s centres and extended schools should bring opportunity, not threat. The Ten-Year Strategy for Childcare emphasises the key role which childminders will play in providing flexible, affordable and high quality childcare, and the Government expects this role to be recognised by local authorities in their childcare plans.
