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.

Decision

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.