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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Guardian community team

Parents in the UK: has your childminder stopped offering places or closed their business?

Two children sitting on a sofa holding pictures in front of their faces with love heart shapes on them.
Some families say their children are better suited to a smaller, home-from-home environment but are struggling to find a childminder. Photograph: Inna Reznik/Alamy

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?

If you’re having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here.

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