Background

The Childcare Act 2006 places new duties on local authorities; firstly, to assess the level of childcare provided in the area, and secondly to work to ensure there is enough childcare of the right type for families who need it.

Local authorities are required to

• act as the strategic leaders, overseeing development of the childcare market
• to work in partnership with childcare providers locally
• and to create a stable and sustainable environment for childcare

Guidance from the Department for Children, School and Families (DCSF) states that the local authority must consult with the following groups;

• childcare providers
• parents
• employers
• children and young people

and any other group who might be expected to have an interest in the supply of childcare in the area.

The guidance also states that where a need for childcare is confirmed, the local authority may only fill that need with maintained childcare provision in exceptional circumstances and as a last resort, where no other childcare provider wishes or is able to do so.

The assessment of childcare provision is designed to enable the local authority to identify gaps in the provision of childcare, and establish plans to meet the needs of parents and carers.

The assessment is to be repeated every three years, to take account of changes in population, employment patterns and childcare provision. In addition, the local area reports that will be produced will be updated each year as new information becomes available.

The final Devon Childcare Sufficiency Assessment report is available now; click on the link below to view or download the document.

Devon Childcare Sufficiency Assessment 2007 (772KB - pdf help)

Also on devon.gov.uk

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