Childminders are the most widespread providers of formal childcare. However, while childminding is a major source of employment for women when they have young children, it is poorly paid and insecure, and many childminders feel their work is not valued.This report looks at childminding as an occupation, and in particular at:the place of childminding within th eoverall provision of chlidcare for children with employed parents;the education and employment histories of childminders, including when and why people become childminders, their future employment intentions and when, and why, they leave work;the working conditions of childminders, including pay, training and support;childminders' views about their work and their job satisfaction.