Quarterly statistics on the number of registered childcare providers andplaces up to the end of August show a drop in the number of childmindersfor the seventh time in a row.
There are now 63,600 childminders in England, down from 67,443 inSeptember last year and 71,200 in September 2006.
The latest quarterly figures are not directly comparable because theyonly show the previous two months. Figures for September have not beenincluded because of the move to the EYFS from 1 September, suggestingthe true number could be lower.
Oftsed said the latest report on childcare providers and places was thefinal one from the previous early years framework and that another wasbeing developed to show the data to be published in the New Year. Aspokesperson said, 'Under the EYFS provider types have changeddrastically. Therefore, we cannot compare provider and place numbersacross frameworks.'
The National Childminding Association said it was concerned, and wasmonitoring the impact of the EYFS and the changing registers.
Andrew Fletcher, director of communications, said, 'NCMA is continuingto monitor the trends closely to ensure childminders are supported toremain sustainable.'
But he stressed that 'strong numbers' of childminders were stillregistering every month, while there were a number of reasons forchildminders to leave.
'In some areas there is increased competition from group providers. Inaddition, childminders are using their professional skills to move intoother childcare roles.'
The NCMA said it was crucial during the early stages of the EYFS thatchildminders were supported by local authorities and other agencies toappropriately evidence, without unnecessarily increasing administration,and to understand self-evaluation for inspection.
Children's minister Beverley Hughes sought to reassure childminders anddispel 'myths of an industry in crisis' in her speech to the NCMAconference in Southport on 8 November.
She said, 'I know that in some areas childminders continue to experienceunwanted vacancies, that make sustaining their businesses a challengeduring these difficult economic times. We are doing what we can to help.But the long-term trend is one of continued demand forchildminders.'