First published in 1979, this book is based on a national survey that was commissioned by the Social Science Research Council and on action to help childminders funded by the Wates Foundation at Manchester University, UK. It evaluates the number and nature of the childminders in Britain that were looking after the nation's children in the 70s.

Acknowledgements; Part I: An Investigation 1. December Dawnwatch 2. Thinking 3. Exploring 4. Childminding in Huddersfield 5. Under five in Fartown 6. Where have all the children gone? 7. Cornflake kids 8. Old Trafford 9. Portrait gallery 10. Childminding: a classic case in the cycle of deprivation 11. On refusing to write a conclusion Part II: Seedtime 12. Research into action 13. A tale of four cities Part III: Agenda for Whitehall and Westminster 14. A charter for childminders 15. A Minister for Children; Notes; Bibliography; Index