Childcare sufficiency assessment

Section 6 of the Childcare Act 2006 gives local authorities a new duty of securing, so far as reasonably practicable, that the provision of childcare is sufficient to meet the requirements of parents in their area, in order to enable them to work or undertake education or training leading to work. Section 11 of the act places the responsibility on authorities to have undertaken a childcare sufficiency assessment. This assessment is the first step forward in enabling authorities to secure sufficient provision, by identifying gaps and establishing plans to meet the needs of parents.

Shropshire County Council is now able to publish its findings in the form of the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment Report. Over 360 people and organisations took part in the first countywide consultation on childcare provision, and the report is based on the findings of the assessment carried out in the second half of 2007.

The findings identify some gaps where childcare provision does not meet parental demand. These have been used to develop a list of areas for action.

The list of proposed actions includes:

• Increase the provision of childcare for 0-2 year olds countywide.
• Improve access to childcare in rural areas.
• Increase out-of-school and holiday provision for 9-19 year olds, focusing on the areas of greatest need first such as south Shropshire.
• Develop services for children with additional needs.
• Improve access to information on childcare.
• Extend the provision of out-of-hours childcare such as overnight and weekend care.
• Increase the number of childminders in the area south of Shrewsbury between Bridgnorth and Church Stretton.
• Put in place systems to make childcare more affordable.
• Improve the quality of childcare across Shropshire.
• Put in place systems to ensure the long term sustainability of childcare.

Copies of the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment Report, and Childcare Sufficiency Assessment Executive Summary, are available as links off this page, or you can request a copy from the Early Years Education & Childcare Team by calling (01743) 254400.