It’s been another busy week across the early years sector, with continued changes to funding, growing demand for childcare, and increasing recognition of the role childminders play.
Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s happening this week, and what it really means for you in practice.
This week: updates confirmed that early years funding rates are set to increase slightly—around four to five percent depending on age group.
While any increase is welcome, many professionals across the sector are already raising concerns that this still does not reflect the true cost of delivering quality childcare.
What this means for childminders:
• Funding may still fall short of covering your actual costs
• Pressure on pricing and sustainability continues
• More careful financial planning may be needed
One of the more positive developments is the move towards monthly funding payments for childminders, expected from October next year.
This is something the sector has been asking for—and it could make a meaningful difference.
In practice, this could mean:
• More predictable income
• Improved cash flow
• Less financial stress caused by irregular payments
For many childminders, this is a practical change that will support day-to-day business stability.
The rollout of expanded childcare continues, including funded places for children from nine months old and increased access to funded hours.
While this is increasing demand, it is also creating new challenges.
What childminders are experiencing:
• More enquiries and requests for places
• Increased pressure on availability and working hours
• Greater need to balance flexibility with sustainability
Childminders are playing a critical role in making this expansion work—but without always receiving the level of support needed.
This week also highlighted ongoing workforce pressures across early years.
Reports continue to show:
• A significant shortage of staff across the sector
• Slowing growth despite increasing demand
• Continued concerns around pay and retention
Childminders are increasingly being recognised as a vital part of the childcare system.
A strong message coming through in the media this week is that childminders are:
• Flexible
• Accessible for families
• Particularly important in local communities
And yet…
• Numbers of childminders continue to decline
• Support and recognition are not always keeping pace
This gap between expectation and support is something many of you will already be feeling.
When we step back and look at the full picture, a clear theme emerges:
👉 Demand is increasing
👉 Recognition is growing
👉 But pressure is still very real
For childminders, this creates a difficult balance.
You are being asked to:
• Take on more children
• Offer more flexibility
• Deliver high-quality care
…while managing funding limitations, time pressures, and rising costs.
In this environment, it is more important than ever to:
• Set clear boundaries around your time and availability
• Ensure your pricing reflects your sustainability
• Make decisions based on what is right for your setting—not pressure
Because while the system is evolving, you are the one managing the reality of it every day.
I’d love to hear your experiences this week:
• Are you seeing an increase in demand for places?
• Would monthly funding payments make a difference to you?
• Are funded hours working for your business—or creating pressure?
Childminders are not a “nice to have” within the system.
You are essential.
Even when policy doesn’t fully reflect reality…
Even when funding feels tight…
👉 The care, consistency, and relationships you provide cannot be replaced.
