Ensuring that nurseries and childminders have enough staff to expand free childcare for families is a “challenge”, an education minister has suggested.
Claire Coutinho acknowledged that “lots of childminders have left” the sector and she wants to make sure that childcare professionals “feel valued”.
The children, families and wellbeing minister told the Commons Education Select Committee that there is “work to do” to communicate to parents who sometimes do not understand that childminders get quality outcomes.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has promised up to 30 hours a week of free childcare for working parents in England with children as young as nine months.
Early years leaders have warned that parents who expect funded places to be available could be left disappointed unless proper infrastructure is put in place.
