National Childminding Week is always a highlight in the early years and childcare calendar. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the extraordinary contribution childminders make to children, families, and communities across the country. This year, that celebration feels more important, and more urgent, than ever.

Over the past year, and since joining the Coram group, Coram Pacey has been listening closely to childminders, families, local authorities, and sector partners. The Magic of Childminding report captures what they heard: a sector full of passion, skill, and deep commitment, but also one facing significant pressures that threaten its future. As we mark National Childminding Week, I want to shine a light on both sides of that story; the magic, and the reality.

Childminders offer something truly special: high‑quality, flexible, personalised care in a home environment. Children can thrive in small groups, mixed ages, and warm, familiar surroundings. They build strong, secure relationships that support their social, emotional, and cognitive development. For babies, for children with SEND/ALN, and for those who need extra stability, this can be transformative.

Childminders do more than care for children; they support whole families. They offer advice, reassurance, and practical help. They step in during emergencies, adapt to changing work patterns, and provide continuity during life’s ups and downs. Many families describe their childminder as “part of the family”, and it’s easy to see why.

Childminders are anchors in their local areas. They connect families, support local businesses, and keep rural and underserved communities viable. Their daily routines visiting parks, libraries, shops, and community groups all help children feel rooted in the world around them.

Play‑based learning, outdoor exploration, sustainability, speech and language development, childminders excel in all these areas. They spot early signs of additional needs, work closely with parents and professionals, and tailor learning to each child. It’s personalised, responsive, and deeply human.This is the magic. And it deserves to be celebrated loudly.

Despite their enormous contribution, childminders continue to face challenges that are thought to be driving many out of the profession. The number of registered childminders has been falling for years. The reasons are clear: funding rates need to invest in delivering high‑quality childcare and early education; administrative burdens can feel disproportionate for small, home‑based providers; policies and funding arrangements for SEND/ALN vary across local areas; landlord restrictions, planning rules, and limited training opportunities can all create barriers; and there can be a lack of public awareness about what childminders offer and how to find them.

This isn’t just a workforce issue, it’s a children’s rights issue, a family support issue, and a community sustainability issue.The Magic of Childminding report sets out 12 recommendations for national and local government. They are practical, achievable, and urgently needed. If we want childminding to survive, and thrive, these changes cannot wait.

One of the most powerful things about this report is that it reads, in many ways, like a love letter to childminders. It captures the passion, dedication, and impact of a profession that too often goes unseen. It reminds us that childminders are not a “nice to have”, they are essential.So, during National Childminding Week, let’s celebrate. Let’s share stories, highlight achievements, and thank the thousands of childminders who give so much of themselves every day.

But let’s also commit to action. Because the magic of childminding should not be left to chance. It should be recognised, valued, and invested in, so that children, families, and communities can continue to benefit for generations to come.