NCMA’s annual membership survey for 2011 indicates that the number of childminders achieving the top two grades in their Ofsted inspection has continued to rise, with 74 per cent receiving a good or outstanding. This is a slight increase on last year’s figure of 72 per cent and a 17 per cent increase on the figure in 2009.
Catherine Farrell, NCMA’s chief executive said, ‘NCMA childminders are providing high quality care and learning for children, with 74 per cent in England achieving a good or outstanding rating in their most recent Ofsted inspection.
‘The 2011 result builds on the 72 per cent achieved last year, and the 63 per cent in 2009.’
The survey also found that on average childminders are working longer hours, with 30 per cent working 50 hours a week, and 61 per cent working a 40-hour week, compared with 55 per cent in 2010.
However, just over three-quarters of childminders are making a profit, while 16 per cent are making a loss. Answers varied by region, with the majority of childminders based in the east and north-east of England making a profit.
When asked if they were concerned about the impact of local authority cuts on childminding in their area, two-thirds of childminders admitted they were concerned or very concerned.
Despite this, 93 per cent of childminders said they still plan to be in business in 12 months’ time.