During Childminding Week 2026, Coram PACEY held a webinar for local authority representatives in England to discuss the Magic of Childminding and how we can work together to better support and grow the childminding profession.  

Our discussions included: 

• An overview of our Magic of Childminding report and its findings  
• SEND support in childminding settings  
• Childminders supporting families “beyond childcare”  
• Local authority initiatives to improve childminder inclusion and support  

Magic of Childminding report 

Our newly-launched report details the transformative impact childminders have on children, families, local communities and the wider sector. We discussed the main findings of the report and thanked local authorities for contributing: whether this was sharing our survey with local childminders, putting childminders and parents forward as case studies, or contributing insights to strengthen our points. Read the report in full here.  

Childminders’ role in supporting families of children with SEND  

A major focus of the meeting was around SEND support in childminding settings, in light of the Department for Education’s proposed reforms to the SEND system in England. Speakers discussed the fact that childminders are often overlooked within the SEND system, despite supporting large numbers of children with additional needs, often from infancy right up to school-age. 

Jenny Bond (Thurrock Council) expanded on the SEND support offered to childminders in Thurrock, which mirrors what is available for group settings. This includes: SEND-specific training, SENCO support visits, outreach and referral guidance, access to inclusion funding and other resources. A key principle is treating all children equally regardless of setting type: “Children have got to come first. They’ve got to be our first thought.” 

Charlotte Marsden (Hertfordshire County Council) outlined the SEND support available to childminders in Hertfordshire: Evening online training tailored specifically for childminders, simplified referral processes, drop-in support sessions and inclusion team visits into settings.  

Finally, childminder Stella Worwui-Ashiadey shared powerful examples from her own childminding practice around early identification of needs, advocating for the whole family unit, coordinating with health visitors and schools, supporting EHCP processes and escalating concerns. “I bridge the gaps… removing barriers and making reasonable adjustments early.” 

Childminders supporting families beyond childcare 

A key discussion point –  – which we and highlighted in depth in our report – is childminders providing support that goes far beyond childcare alone. This included: 

• Emergency, ad-hoc and overnight care  
• Supporting shift workers  
• Helping families during illness or bereavement  
• Attending appointments  
• Supporting single parents  
• Helping parents access funding and benefits  
• Emotional support during crises 

We also discussed the flexibility that childminders are able to offer, as well as often being an affordable option to families.  

Concerns about childminder numbers  

While some local authorities are sustaining or even growing their childminding workforce, concerns were raised about the overall decline in childminders nationally.  

Sarah Cotter in Plymouth shared that Plymouth currently has 78 childminders, down from 264 18 years ago. Concerns include recruitment difficulties, an aging workforce with many leaving for retirement and financial and funding pressures. Coram PACEY is working with Plymouth on a dedicated recruitment strategy for childminders to drive numbers up and improve morale in the workforce. To launch this partnership, during Childminding Week the team travelled to Plymouth for a stay-and-play event, where 26 childminders and 67 children attended. This event reinforced the importance of community, networking and peer support with experienced and newer childminders coming together, discussing support for military families and families of children with SEND.  

Key takeaways and recommendations 

Childminders provide uniquely personalised care and their role extends far beyond childcare. Yet the sector urgently needs investment, recognition, and recruitment and retention support. Local authorities can play a major role in improving inclusion and professional support. We were delighted to welcome so many local authority colleagues who support our calls to improve childminder support and drive up numbers.  

“We solely rely on a really passionate, loyal childminder base despite the challenges they face.” 

Coram PACEY is calling for: 

• A fully funded national recruitment programme  
• Childminder-specific funding reform including removal of the rule that prevents childminders from claiming funding for related children.  
• Reinstatement of mandatory training for childminders 
• Improved SEND support and childminders recognised as a key part of the SEND system 
• National awareness campaigns  
• Removal of barriers such as planning permissions, environmental health, landlord barriers