Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many childminders there are active (1) today, and (2) in July 2024; and what assessment they have made for the change in number.

Ofsted's published statistics show there were 26,500 childminders on 31 March 2024 and 24,700 on 31 March 2026.

In the department’s 2025 provider survey, childminders reported leaving the profession for a range of reasons, including pay, concerns about entitlement funding, challenges associated with business administration and changes in personal circumstances, such as retirement.

The department has already taken steps to support childminders, including making it easier for them to work from a wider range of locations, such as schools and community centres.

We will also work with local authorities and the sector to ensure that childminders and other early years providers have the option to be paid monthly for the funded hours they provide, making their income more stable.