PACEY, the charity representing representing childminders, has joined The Coram Group.

Formerly the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years, the body will now be known as Coram PACEY.

Coram PACEY, which represents more than 50% of childminders registered in England and Wales, will maintain all existing services and continue to work with members, childcare and early years providers, stakeholders, and the wider childcare and early years sector. In Wales it will be known as Coram PACEY Cymru and work will continue to be delivered by the team based in Wales.

The Coram Group includes Coram Family and Childcare (CFC) and Coram Hempsall’s, which delivers project management, consultancy and capacity development in the early years and childcare sector. The Coram Group said the body would continue to pursue its key mission to reverse the decline of childminder numbers. In Wales it will be known as Coram PACEY Cymru and work will continue to be delivered by the team based in Wales. 

Dr Carol Homden, Coram chief executive, said: “Childminders are the bedrock of support for a significant proportion of children and their families and particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities. Coram is proud to welcome the team at PACEY and their vital work to ensure that children have the best possible support for their future.”

Helen Donohoe, former PACEY chief executive, said: “This is an exciting development enabling the voice and experience of childminders and early years practitioners to be sustained and enhanced by our professional association as we look forward to our 50th anniversary in 2027.”