Commenting on the news that the number of registered childminders is now at its lowest level for five years, Liberal Democrat Shadow Children Spokesperson, Annette Brooke said:
"It is now becoming increasingly difficult for parents to find good quality and affordable childcare.
"The Government's overly prescriptive and bureaucratic approach to pre-school care coupled with the new Ofsted inspections on the implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage is driving good childminders away.
"Good quality childminders provide an essential service particularly for mothers who do not want to put their children into a nursery at a very young age.
"Ministers must rethink the current system to make sure children are cared for in a suitable environment, without putting unreasonable demands on childminders."
Follow the party's activity on...