Childcare sufficiency assessment

Sandwell Local Authority has undertaken their second Childcare Sufficiency Assessment. The Childcare Sufficiency Assessment involves analysing the demand for childcare; mapping the supply of childcare and identifying any gaps in childcare provision within the borough.

The Childcare Act 2006 clarifies in legislation the vital role local authorities should play as strategic leaders in facilitating the childcare market.

The Act takes forward the Government's commitment, set out in the Ten Year Childcare Strategy: Choice for parents, the best start for children. The Ten Year Childcare Strategy sets out the Government ambition in four key areas:

• Choice and Flexibility - giving parents greater choice about balancing work and family life.
• Availability - affordable, flexible, high quality childcare that meet the needs of all families up to the age of 14 (age 18 for disabled children)
• Quality - high quality provision with a qualified workforce
• Affordability - families to be able to afford flexible, high quality childcare.

Sandwell consulted with parents, providers, employers and children to assess the need for childcare in Sandwell.

Following the assessment of the childcare market the local authority must secure, so far as reasonable practicable, sufficient childcare.

The Childcare Sufficiency Assessment is subject to annual reviews with a new assessment undertaken on a three-year basis.

The Childcare Information Service, in conjunction with Research Sandwell, has undertaken this assessment. The Childcare Information Service is part of the Early Years and Childcare Unit, which is within Sandwell Councils Children and Young Peoples Services.

• Childcare Sufficiency Assessment 2011