The Early Years Alliance survey of more than 1,600 childminders found that of those respondents who are currently registered with Ofsted, rather than an agency, 79 per cent said it was either ‘somewhat’ or ‘very unlikely’ that they would join a childminding agency in the future.
A total of 77 per cent of Ofsted registered childminders warned that they would leave the profession if it became compulsory to join an agency, with 64 per cent stating that they would leave the sector entirely.
In July, the Government announced plans to ‘encourage the growth of childminder agencies’ as part of its upcoming early years reforms.
One survey respondent said, ‘Why would I spend a percentage of my hard-earned money on an agency to do for me what I have managed to successfully do for myself for years?’
Another commented, ‘I pride myself on what I offer and my professional status, and value an Ofsted grading. I do not see why I would need to pay a money subscription or for an agency to take a percentage of my earnings – our earnings aren’t exactly high.’
When asked what steps the Government could take to tackle the falling number of childminders, just 9 per cent of both Ofsted – and agency-registered respondents cited the encouraging of more childminder agencies as a potential solution.
In comparison, 87 per cent said the Government should do more to recognise childminding as an education profession, while 83 per cent called on the Government to increase funding rates.
Although childminder agencies were originally introduced by the Conservative Government in September 2014, there are currently just six registered agencies in operation across the country.
'Any attempt to make agencies compulsory would lead to a mass exodus of childminders'
Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Early Years Alliance, said, ‘Our survey results clearly show that the idea that increasing the number of childminding agencies will be any kind of solution to falling childminder numbers in this country is severely misguided.
‘While we recognise that most of the very few childminders currently registered with agencies are happy with the support they receive, the fact that our survey found that any attempt to make agencies compulsory would lead to a mass exodus of childminders from the sector shows just how strongly most childminders feel about remaining independent and Ofsted-registered.
‘What’s more, the harsh reality is that however well-run an agency is, there will always be a conflict of interest where an agency is left to judge the quality of a childminder on its books when its own financial success is directly tied to theirs? That is exactly why the independent nature of Ofsted is so highly valued by childminders and parents alike.
‘The Government should look to tackle the issues that childminders themselves say would actually make a difference: committing to a substantial increase in early years funding, and recognising childminders as the education professionals that they are.’
A Department for Education spokesperson said, 'Childminders provide high-quality education and care to children, and we want more people to be joining this profession. Childminder agencies offer an alternative to registering with Ofsted, and many childminders registered with agencies have told us their experiences are positive.
'Unlike Ofsted, childminder agencies provide their registered providers with annual quality assurance visits, opportunities for continuous professional development, and other advice and assistance.'