It is a real privilege to find myself as the general secretary of the National Union of Childminders (NUC). I founded the NUC in August 2024 with a clear vision: to give childminders a strong, independent voice in a sector where they are often overlooked and undervalued. I have over a decade of experience as an Ofsted-registered childminder and 20+ years as a UK teacher and lecturer, including as a deputy headteacher, head of EYFS and lecturer in Childcare and Early Years.

My decision to launch the union was a surprise to myself. I had for many years felt that childminders were not given the professional respect they deserve, but I was still childminding quite happily. This all changed after my personal poor experience with regulator Ofsted in 2024. I was shocked that even after the tragic death of headteacher Ruth Perry and subsequent damning independent reports, there appeared to be little learning. I also discovered an Ofsted complaints process that was far from independent and a tribunal system that appeared to me to simply rubber stamp decisions by Ofsted. Having heard many similar experiences, I started the National Union of Childminders, registering it in August 2024.

As a union, our current focus is campaigning for fair local authority funding of 15/30hr funded places. We believe the dramatic drop in funding rates for 3 and 4 year olds is unfair to childminders who have a far lower ratio than other settings.

I have been passionate about equality for many decades, particularly the rights of women, children and those discriminated against. Since starting the union, I have faced significant opposition, including further false allegations and attempts to discredit our work. This has led us to question – why are some individuals and organisations (even some who purport to represent childminders) threatened by childminders being supported, demanding professional respect and insisting that they are treated in a fair and reasonable manner? Other professions have unions – why not childminders?

We now have an active committee and passionate members, many of whom are contributing their time and/ or views. We are committed to advocating for childminders, challenging unfair decisions, and pushing for greater accountability in the sector. The NUC is a growing force, ensuring childminders have a platform to be heard, supported, and represented.

The NUC has been free to join since August 2024. We introduced a paid membership option from 10 March 2025 at a cost of just £3 per month. Our mission is simple: to stand up for childminders, to challenge injustice, and to ensure that every professional in the sector is treated with the respect they deserve.

Join us and be part of the change!

Current NUC positions:

General Secretary

Chair

Treasurer

Equality Officer