The latest DfE Childcare and Early Years Providers Survey shows the number of early years providers has fallen by 5 per cent in a year, mainly driven by a loss of 3,200 childminders.
The survey confirms Ofsted data, published last month, which revealed that the number of early years providers and places has fallen in the past year, and highlights a continuing decline in the number of childminders.
The Early Years Alliance warned that if the drop in childminders continues, the profession will 'eventually cease to exist'.
Despite a fall in the number of childminders and childminding assistants, the DfE findings show overall there has been a rise in the number of staff working in the sector.
