The number of childminders in England has roughly halved over the past decade, with many citing rising costs, low pay and increasing paperwork as reasons for leaving the profession. Campaigners warn the decline is making it harder for families to find flexible and affordable childcare.
We want to hear from parents and carers whose childminder has recently closed their business, stopped accepting certain age groups such those over three-year-olds or reduced the number of children they look after.
How did it affect your family? Did you struggle to find alternative childcare? Have you been forced to move your child into a nursery setting despite feeling they were better suited to a smaller, home-from-home environment?
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