Childcare sufficiency assessment

We are now in the third year of working towards our statutory duty to secure sufficient childcare to meet the needs of parents. This means that planning for a new round of consultation to inform the second Childcare Sufficiency Assessment is underway. This assessment must be published by 31 March 2011, along with a detailed action plan showing how we intend to fill any gaps in the provision.

The first assessment identified 10 priorities which we are continuing to work towards. These are to:

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

The Childcare Act 2006

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 undertake a childcare sufficiency assessment every three years. This assessment is then annually updated to show any changes that occur during the intervening years and any progress that is being made.

Publications

Copies of the 2008 Childcare Sufficiency Assessment Report, Childcare Sufficiency Assessment Executive Summary, and Annual Updates are available as links off this page. You can request a copy from the Early Years Education & Childcare Team by calling (017430 254400.

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