Following the success of last year’s local authority forum which saw over 140 of you join us to discuss childminder recruitment and retention, we are inviting local authority colleagues in England to join our forum during #ChildmindingWeek2026.  We will come together to celebrate the incredible work of childminders and share findings from our #MagicOfChildminding report. This special event will shine a spotlight on the vital role childminders play in supporting children, families and communities, and discuss the challenges facing the sector and how we can support them. We will also discuss:

• Childminders’ role in supporting families of children with SEND and the proposed wider SEND reforms

• The additional benefits beyond ”just childcare” that a childminder provides for families

• How we can support and grow the new cohort of childminders joining the profession

We will be joined by three guest speakers to share their valuable insights and answer questions: Stella Worwui-Ashiadey – Childminder; Jenny Bond – Thurrock local authority; Charlotte Marsden – Hertfordshire local authority.