11 May 2026 - 17 May 2026

JOIN OUR WEEK OF ACTION!

The Problem:

The Childminding sector is under attack. We believe the government is deliberately trying to drive childminders out of the childcare sector in order for school-based nurseries to dominate. We say this is not only unfair, but unlawful:

  • Against the 1998 Competition Act

  • Targeting a female-dominated sector and so in breach of equality laws

  • Removing real childcare choices for working parents

  • Most importantly - bad for babies and children. Not every 0-4 year old is well suited to a school environment. It’s important that parents have real choice and are able to choose a setting that is best for their individual child and family.

The number of childminders in England has more than halved over the past 10 years and the following policies are driving more and more fantastic childminders out of the profession:

  • The government/ LA underfunding of 15/30 hours when delivered by childminders (whilst giving additional funding to school-based nurseries!)

  • Government has in effect made childminders ‘workers’ when they are delivering 15/30hrs of funded childcare, but are refusing to provide these same childminders with the legally required workers’ benefits such as holiday pay and sick pay

  • The proposed removal of the 10% wear & tear allowance

  • The refusal to allow England’s childminders to provide funded childcare for relatives

  • Despite the tragic death of headteacher Ruth Perry, OFSTED seem to remain a law unto themselves, with some inspectors having no regard for the mental health and wellbeing of providers, and continuing to bully, harass and discriminate against providers despite the 2023 Coroner warning issued to them. The lack of an independent complaints system or fair tribunal system only support this.

TIME FOR ACTION

We have spent more than a year communicating with government - Bridget Phillipson, Stephen Morgan, the Department for Education, Olivia Bailey, Sir Martyn Oliver & OFSTED, and local authorities. We believe the time for talking is over.

We will be organising a series of actions and protests for Childminding Week - 11 May 2026 - 17 May 2026. These will be publicised on social media and listed on this page.

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?

Whether you are a former, current or prospective childminder, you can get involved. We welcome involvement from families and friends of childminders and minded children.

FEBRUARY 2026

During February, we are spreading the word. Let other childminders and friends know about our week of action. We are writing to organisations and groups who claim to represent childminders and asking them to join our week of action. If you belong to such a group or organisation, let them know that you would like their involvement.

We are also writing to companies such as Markel Law and Morton Michel. We believe childminders have spent a great deal of money with these such companies over decades, and we would like their support at a time when childminding is under attack.

If you believe you are in a position to contribute to our week of action with resources such as design, production of banners, media contacts or other areas, please email childminders@nucuk.com, with ‘Week of Action’ in the subject field.

If you are a business, company or individual who would like to sponsor our week of action, please also email childminders@nucuk.com.

Donations can be made to:

National Union of Childminders ltd

Sort code: 04-00-03

Account number: 78669772