Purpose

The Council has a statutory duty to provide
working families of children aged 0-14 (18 with SEND) enough
childcare places in its area, where reasonably practicable. Each
year Research and Children’s Services colleagues assess the
position of the market, providing parent’s, councillors and
private business ward level information as a planning tool to
support access or expansion of places where needed, while
highlighting areas of concern for the year ahead.

Content

RECOMMENDED that Cabinet
approved the content of the review and the priorities (areas of
concern) as set out in the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment 2023
Briefing Paper.
Voting:
Unanimous
Portfolio Holder:
Children and Young People
Reason
To fulfil the
Council’s statutory duty to annually assess its childcare
market.