Childcare Counts - Childcare Sufficiency Assessment

The Childcare Act 2006 makes it a statutory duty for local authorities to carry out a Childcare Sufficiency Assessment. The assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of current and potential influences on childcare demand and supply, and the implications for the strategy of the Early Years and Childcare Service.

The views of parents were obtained through a telephone survey; in addition this was supplemented by both online and paper questionnaires. More in depth qualitative information was also gained through focus groups targeted at priority groups.

The assessment of childcare supply is based on quantitative Ofsted data and information provided by Parent Direct from its database of childcare provision.  A survey of childcare providers adds context and insight by highlighting their views on the challenges
facing the sector and prospects for its future development.

You can read the full assessment and summary documents below...

 Summary Highlights of the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment

 Summary Highlights of the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment

  Full Childcare Sufficiency Assessment (4.08Mb)

  Full Childcare Sufficiency Assessment (5.82Mb)

Update - Next Steps

A group of 24 stakeholders met on 26 September 2008 to look at the recommendations arising out of the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment and to come up with an action plan. The group included representatives from the National Childminding Association, National Day Nurseries Association, Job Centre Plus, Youth Service, Children's Centres and Early Years.

The action plan will be written up over the coming weeks and will be presented to Directorate Senior Management and the Children's Trust.  It will also be available to read here.

 

Last Modified: 06/10/2008 08:50:26
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