A childminder approach: recognising a distinctive home-based pedagogy

Although the longest-practised form of paid childcare in England, childminding is an underdeveloped area within research. Childminders employ a distinctive home-based pedagogical approach to the provision of childcare and education, and this research provided an opportunity to work more closely with childminders to better understand how they perceive themselves. The insights presented in this paper are in response to the question: what is a childminder? The data was collected as part of a collaborative action research study with a local group of childminders in England. Narrative writings and reflective discussion were thematically analysed, providing insights into the distinctive elements of a home-based childminding approach to childcare and education, based on the themes of family values, home and community environment, and care and education. These insights are underpinned by the notion that childminding offers a different approach to the provision of childcare and education than group-based provision. This research suggests that childminders should be supported to create a shared understanding of their distinctive pedagogical approach, through opportunities for shared learning experiences and with a focus on building communities of practice.