Review: the effects of childminding: how much do we know?

The literature concerning the effects of childminding is critically reviewed, and the sources of some of the evidence which has been presented, are examined. Widespread concern about the effects of minding is noted, but it is suggested that such concern is not justified by the evidence currently to hand. It is concluded that little can be safely said to be known about this subject at the present time. A new approach to research in this area is proposed.