Here’s the latest you can act on right now:
- England-wide trend: Ofsted data and industry reports show a decline in the number of registered childminders over the past year, with several sources noting around 1,000 fewer providers and ongoing concerns about funding rates and safeguarding reforms. This trend affects both private childminders and other early years settings.[1][5]
- Regional context (UK-focused): News summaries through late 2025 highlight calls for overhaul of funding for funded entitlements and ongoing discussions about childminders’ viability, particularly in light of funding inequities and parent-childcare costs.[2][4][1]
- Recent headlines you might find useful: safeguarding reforms scheduled for September and ongoing debates about the impact of these reforms on private settings, as well as inspections outcomes where many providers maintain Good/Outstanding ratings despite provider declines.[4][5][1]
Would you like me to pull the specific articles, or tailor a briefing for South Africa/Johannesburg, which may have different local affects and regulatory context? I can also summarize the key numbers (provider counts, percentage changes) with sources if you want a quick data-focused snapshot.
Citations:
- UK childminder numbers and trends (Ofsted data, 2024–2025):[5]
- June 2025 childminder sector news and funding concerns:[1]
- November 2025 sector overview and funding overhaul calls:[2]
Sources
Find out all the latest news from the early years sector, for November 2025. We've put together everything that we think you'll want to know this month, in this handy childminder news blog.
www.twinkl.co.ukAccording to the data, the number of Ofsted-registered childminders fell from 26,000 to 25,000 over the 12-month period measured
www.eyalliance.org.ukFind out all the latest news from the early years sector, for November 2025. We've put together everything that we think you'll want to know this month, in this handy childminder news blog.
www.twinkl.comThe latest Childcare News - Find out what is happening in the Childcare industry and what factors may impact your setting.
www.parenta.comFind out all the latest news from the early years sector, for June 2025. We've put together everything that we think you'll want to know this month, in this handy childminder news blog.
www.twinkl.comFind out all the latest news from the early years sector, for May 2025. We've put together everything that we think you'll want to know this month, in this handy childminder news blog.
www.twinkl.co.ukFind out all the latest news from the early years sector, for November 2025. We've put together everything that we think you'll want to know this month, in this handy childminder news blog.
www.twinkl.ptThis article has been brought to you by Slough Borough Council's Early Years Development Worker Danielle Mercer for the attention of Slough Early Years Settings, including Childminders. Please see below the latest Early Years and Childcare news from Ofsted:
thelink.slough.gov.uk