Childminders saved our family - but good luck finding one now

Childminders saved our family - but good luck finding one now

Ashleigh Crouch, 44, has worked in the childcare sector for 25 years, in roles from nursery manager and teacher to youth leader. He’s currently a childminder with his wife, Claire, 35, and the couple look after between four and seven children in their home in Basingstoke. When we talk on the phone, he’s taking a quick break while toddlers nap. “It’s my favourite of all the jobs I’ve had,” he says. “But I don’t think people know much about childm…