Value of childminders in Wales
Research highlights the value of registered childminders in
Wales
In Wales, NCMA Cymru has launched a new research report which
highlights the value of the registered childminding sector to the
Welsh economy.
The launch, held in Cardiff, was attended by Assembly Members,
NCMA staff and Welsh Government officials.
Commenting on the research, Gwenda Thomas AM, Deputy Minister
for Children and Social Services, said "This report highlights how
childminding positively contributes to our economy. As Minister for
Children, I fully appreciate the key contribution childminders make
in providing quality, flexible childcare without which many parents
and carers would not be able to work, train or study. We will
continue to work with NCMA Cymru to support the sustainability of
the childminding sector in Wales."
Some of the key findings of the report are outlined below:
- The childminding sector supports a minimum of 9,488 jobs in the
Welsh economy. It is estimated that for every one childminder
in operation, at least three jobs are supported elsewhere in
the economy.
- There are 2,372 people working in the childminding sector in
Wales, either as self employed registered childminders or their
assistants. This represents 54% of all registered childcare
settings in Wales.
- Registered childminders provide approximately 12,000 childcare
places across Wales, which represents 16% of the total registered
childcare places.
The childminding sector is valuable to the Welsh economy, both
as a sector in its own right and in reducing barriers to work for
parents and carers.
The research found that the childminding sector is worth an
estimated £122m to the Welsh economy through direct income turnover
of childminder businesses and associated income for families who
use the care provided by childminders.
The report is available in English
and
Welsh.