Local authorities need to expand the availability of childcare places, in line with the Government's current strategies. The low ratio of children and childminder allows more opportunity for developmental care and education. Hours are flexible and can be arranged to meet individual family needs. Brothers and sisters of different ages cna be catered for in the same setting, providing continuity of care and education for children from birth to 14 years. They support the development of additional services, while ensuring nationally approved quality standards of care and education, as defined in the NCMA Quality Childminding Charter .
Staff perform more efficiently, and more consistently, when their childcare needs are met.
It is also easier to retain experienced staff after maternity leave, or where family circumstances change, when reliable childcare is in place. Parents need a range of provision within their own community to give them real choice in their childcare arrangements. Childminding offers particular advantages to working parents because the hours are flexible and can be organised to fit in with the family needs. Childminding networks can be linked to local schools offering care within the vicinity of a child's own school. School staff often act as a first point of contact for parents about childcare and may know local childminders and network co-ordinators.